Natural Sources of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, is a naturally occurring chemical compound that performs various important functions in the body's metabolism. It is produced naturally in the body in small amounts and also occurs in some other mammals as well as a variety of plants. In recent years, there has been interest in possible medical uses of lipoic acid as a nutritional supplement.-
Uses of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
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Alpha-lipoic acid was recognized in the 1980s as an antioxidant, a chemical that may combine with harmful oxygen species in the body. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid also appears to aid in the function of other antioxidants by regenerating them. Alpha-lipoic acid has been proposed or investigated as a treatment for numerous health conditions including diabetes, liver disease and neuropathy. There has also been interest in using lipoic acid supplements to help diseases of aging including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. There are a variety of foods that provide natural sources of lipoic acid, although generally the levels are very low. For this reason, lipoic acid for medical purposes is generally supplied in pill form, using an artificially synthesized lipoic acid.
Sources: Meats
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Red meat, and in particular organ meats such as heart, liver and kidneys, is a source of alpha-lipoic acid. Levels are around 1 to 3 micrograms per gram of dry weight. These sources would, of course, be off limits to vegetarians but others may want to consider that adding such foods to their diet could be doubly beneficial since they also contain other nutrients including B vitamins and iron.
Sources: Vegetables and Grain
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Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and peas have been shown to contain some lipoic acid. The content in these foods ranges around half a microgram per gram dry weight. Tomatoes are another vegetable source. Rice bran also provides lipoic acid. Rice bran is the brown outer hull of rice and, in addition to carrying this particular antioxidant, is a good source of vitamin E and fiber.
Sources: Yeast
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Brewer's yeast and yeast extract both contain lipoic acid. Brewer's yeast is a specific strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that is normally used in beer making. However, since brewer's yeast is also a good source of some B vitamins, as well as the trace element chromium, it is grown and sold as a nutritional supplement. Yeast extract is a preparation made by extracting the contents of yeast cells. The popular British spread Marmite is a yeast extract.
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