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Alpha lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, is a short-chain, sulphur-containing fatty acid. Alpha lipoic acid is formed in the mitochondria. It has both fat- and water-soluble properties and can therefore provide its antioxidant protective effect anywhere in the tissue (on the cell membrane as well as outside and inside the cell).1
Dihydro-alpha lipoic acid (reduced form) is one of the most potent endogenous antioxidants. The lipoic Acid / dihydrolipoic acid system is also able to regenerate other important antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, glutathione, vitamin C and E. Alpha lipoic acid also promotes the body’s own synthesis of glutathione, one of the most important intracellular antioxidants and detoxification molecules. It can also cross the blood-brain barrier and thus penetrate the nervous tissue. Due to its pronounced antioxidant properties, alpha lipoic acid protects many molecules and structures from oxidative damage, e.g. lipoproteins (LDL), vascular walls (endothelium) and nerve tissue.1
Alpha lipoic acid forms complexes with bivalent metal ions in particular (chelation), including heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, arsenic).1
1 OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (publisher): Multilingual Dictionary of Fish and Fish Products. John Wiley & Sons, 2009
2 Schurgast, H., & Zimmermann, M., Burgerstein’s Handbook of Nutrients, 14th edition, p. p. 348ff.