Helps maintain healthy glucose metabolism* - Alpha-lipoic acid is a key factor in the cellular process that metabolizes glucose for energy production. Researchers have noted that for a non-hormonal compound, LA is remarkable for its effect on carbohydrate metabolism-especially the R-lipoic form of alpha-lipoic acid. For example, in vitro studies have shown the ability of RLA to promote rapid uptake of glucose in muscle and fat cells. The impact of lipoic acid administration in promoting healthy blood sugar metabolism is also evidenced in numerous animal and human studies. In one rat study, the known benefit of exercise on glucose uptake was complimented by 30 mg of RLA per kg body weight for 2 weeks. Glucose uptake into muscle increased by 45% in sedentary rats given RLA (compared to rats not receiving RLA); when the rats combined treadmill exercise with the RLA administration, glucose uptake jumped to 124% (compared to only 68% in rats given exercise but no RLA). After helping to initially increase glucose uptake into cells, RLA subsequently increases glucose utilization via activation of an enzyme complex-called the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex-involved in energy production inside the mitochondria of cells. LA is cited especially for its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the context of the important relationship between healthy blood sugar levels and vascular health.

Supports healthy aging* - As we age, our ability to synthesize lipoic acid decreases. Age also brings an accumulation of oxidized proteins that interfere with mitochondrial efficiency. LAs status as a so-called 'mitochondrial nutrient' addresses this situation.

Furthermore, aging is accompanied by a decreased ability of the liver to recycle ascorbic acid following oxidative stress. R-lipoic acid, after two weeks of supplementation to aged rats, reversed the age-related impairment of ascorbic acid recycling and concentration in liver cells. A second study confirmed these results. Researchers determined that an RLA-supplemented diet fed to old rats for two weeks resulted in improved mitochondrial function, decreased free radical damage, and increased metabolic rate. Whereas a significant decline was seen in ascorbic acid and glutathione levels in the livers of the control rats, the RLA-supplemented group showed no decline in the levels of these critical antioxidants.

Supports cognitive function and brain health* - Aging is associated with oxidative stress in the brain. The brain's high rate of metabolism and its long-lived neurons make it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Since LA interrupts cellular oxidative processes in both its oxidized and reduced forms, it plays a modulatory role in the brain and nervous system. One group of researchers found that LA decreased oxidative stress in the brain mitochondria of aged rats. This kind of activity inside of neurons may help explain the observed effect of LA administration on cognitive upkeep in an animal model. Evidence of cognitive benefits has cropped up in multiple studies on normal old mice, including one where longer-term memory was enhanced by LA. There are probably several mechanisms-in tandem with decreased oxidative stress-behind the cognitive support seen in these animal studies, including stimulated production of acetylcholine and enhancement of memory-related signaling pathways. Preliminary research on humas suggests that LA supports sustained cognitive function in older age.

Supports eye health* - Studies also indicate that supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid supports eye health. One of the most toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, acrolein, is especially harmful to retinal pigment epithelial cells. Rats chronically exposed to low doses of acrolein lose the viability of these cells, showing a decrease in mitochondrial function due to oxidative stress. Pretreatment of these retina cells with LA before the acrolein exposure significantly protected them from oxidative damage. RLA is exceptionally suitable for supporting the retina of the eye. This was shown in rats, presumably via prevention of the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, a protein complex found in all cells that is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, free radicals, and ultraviolet irradiation.26 Studies in rats also demonstrate LAs ability to support healthy retinal capillaries.

Supports cardiovascular health* - Alpha-lipoic acid may offer several different mechanisms in helping us to maintain cardiovascular health. From animal studies, researchers began to discover the impact of LA on blood lipids over half a century ago. Additionally, a recent study in mice demonstrated results seen in previous studies using mice or rats: lipoic acid lowered body weight gain and fat mass. Researchers attributed this to appetite suppression and enhanced energy expenditure.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product in not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid contains Bio-Enhanced Registered.

For more information on Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid please see Doctor's Best website.