Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound found in all human cells.

It’s made inside the mitochondrion — also known as the powerhouse of cells — where it helps enzymes turn nutrients into energy (1Trusted Source).

What’s more, it has powerful antioxidant properties.

Alpha-lipoic acid is both water- and fat-soluble, which allows it to work in every cell or tissue in the body. Meanwhile, most other antioxidants are either water- or fat-soluble (2Trusted Source).

For instance, vitamin C is only water-soluble, while vitamin E is only fat-soluble.

The antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoic acid have been linked to several benefits, including lower blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation, slowed skin aging, and improved nerve function.

Humans only produce alpha-lipoic acid in small amounts. That’s why many turn to certain foods or supplements to optimize their intake.

Animal products like red meat and organ meats are great sources of alpha-lipoic acid, but plant foods like broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and Brussels sprouts also contain it.

That said, supplements can pack up to 1,000 times more alpha-lipoic acid than food sources (3).