Alpha Lipoic Acid is emerging as a helpful and effective neuroprotective agent (anti-neuropathic), a defense against metabolic syndrome, and numerous other uses. In this article, we review and rank five of the best alpha lipoic acid supplements for you.
Alpha lipoic acid is more ubiquitous than you might think. Mount Sinai explains that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant produced in the human body. ALA can be found in every cell as it helps convert glucose into energy.
As an antioxidant, ALA counterbalances “free radicals,” which are produced as waste in the process of food being transformed into energy. Free radicals can lead to damaging chemical reactions that harm cells, making it more challenging to ward off infections. Free radicals can also harm organs and tissues.
You May Also Like:
MAGIC MUSHROOM COMPOUND CAN TREAT DEPRESSION: STUDY
5 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE ATTACKS
Common dietary sources of ALA are red meats, organ meats (like liver), and yeast. Since many people avoid red meat or meat altogether, ALA supplements are increasing in popularity. Here are five of the best alpha lipoic acid supplements reviewed.
5. Swanson Ultra- Alpha Lipoic Acid
These sixty 600mg caps contain both R and S isomers of ALA. For an unadorned, affordable version of ALA, Swanson is one of the best alpha lipoic acid options.
The advantage of shopping with Swanson is all the savings you get storewide on a regular basis. There’s also reduced shipping once you order enough, or even more savings and faster shipping once you cross a higher monetary threshold. There are even Swanson storefronts, but they’re geographically limited to North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
4. The Vitamin Shoppe – Antioxidant & Cellular Support
Like Swanson, The Vitamin Shoppe is another popular vitamin distributor. The Vitamin Shoppe store has a large selection of products, with many deals. There are also brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, so you can browse in person and speak with experts on the spot.
The Vitamin Shoppe is one of the best alpha lipoic acid choices for anyone who wants to build a vitamin regime with a consultation at a store or if you just like to window shop. You can also order online and do in-store pick-up. This brand edges out Swanson for our fourth slot because of its greater number of stores nationwide.
3. NOW, Extra Strength 600 mg Veg Capsules
NOW is a popular, affordable choice for ALA supplements. Each capsule contains 600mg of ALA. The capsules are non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegetarian-friendly. NOW also boasts that it’s been family owned, operated, and packaged in the USA since 1968.
NOW brand is one of the five best alpha lipoic acid supplements for anyone focused on reducing inflammation. That’s because NOW’s ALA comes with grape seed extract and black pepper fruit extract.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, grape seed extract, derived from wine grape seeds, is a dietary supplement promoted for everything from wound healing to reducing inflammation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, black pepper is anti-inflammatory and helps us absorb various nutrients. Together, the black pepper and grape seed are meant to complement the ALA.
This supplement comes in third place because of its focus on reducing inflammation, which, as explained by Harvard, is a condition that can lead to harm when it’s chronic.
2. iHerb’s California Gold Nutrition, Benfotiamine + Alpha Lipoic Acid
For someone who wants support with glucose metabolism, then iHerb’s California Gold Nutrition, Benfotiamine + Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the best alpha lipoic acid picks.
This ALA also comes with Leucine. According to the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information, Leucine is an essential amino acid that helps regular protein synthesis, tissue regeneration, and metabolism.
This supplement also comes with Benfotiamine, which, as iHerb explains, is a derivative of thiamine, vitamin B1. Benfotiamine is approved in some countries to treat diabetic neuropathy, which is pain and discomfort that’s caused by diabetes related nerve damage.
Targeting diabetic neuropathy makes iHerb’s product our second-place pick for best alpha lipoic acid because when you’ve got diabetic neuropathy, it’s essential to find the best combination of treatments.
1. QUANTUMiND
QUANTUMiND is ALA and more. Described as a premium nootropic (a supplement used to enhance memory or cognitive function), QUANTUMiND advertises improved cognition, metabolism, athletic performance, stress management regeneration, anti-aging, and anti-anxiety properties.
The product intends to produce these effects by lowering cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) to achieve a state of clarity, focus, and ease. QUANTUMiND also claims to improve the health of mitochondria (which produce most of the chemical energy to power the body’s cells), leading to increased energy, improved metabolism, and even fat loss.
For those hoping to incorporate their ALA into a nootropic cocktail, QUANTUMiND is the best alpha lipoic acid product around. All of QUANTUMiND’s other benefits make it our number one pick.
The Many Types of ALA Supplements
From potentially helping lower blood sugar and aiding in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, to helping protect brain and nerve tissue, studies suggest many possible applications of ALA. Whether you just want ALA on its own; to put together your own complimentary medicine regime with ALA in a store; to focus on inflammation or diabetes; or a nootropic cocktail, ALA is available in many forms. The best alpha lipoic acid supplement is out there to meet your needs.
Further Reading:
National Library of Medicine- ALA and Weight Loss
National Library of Medicine – Diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid
ScienceDirect – Alpha-Lipoic Acid As A Biological Antioxidant
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
