Lipoic acid is a coenzyme present in mitochondria with the molecular formula C8H14O2S2. It is similar to vitamins and can eliminate free radicals that cause accelerated aging and disease. Lipoic acid enters cells after being absorbed through the intestines in the body, and has both fat-soluble and water-soluble properties. Lipoic acid belongs to a class of compounds in the B vitamins. It is a growth factor for yeast and some microorganisms. It plays a coenzyme role in the multi-enzyme system and catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetic acid and the oxidative decarboxylation of α-ketoglutarate to succinic acid. Intermediate transacylation.
As a coenzyme, lipoic acid plays a role in two key oxidative decarboxylation reactions, namely, in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, catalyzing the generation and transfer of acyl groups. Lipoic acid can accept the acyl group and the acetyl group of pyruvate to form a thioester bond, and then transfer the acetyl group to the sulfur atom of the coenzyme A molecule. The dihydrolipoamide forming the prosthetic group can be oxidized by dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (requires NAD+) to regenerate oxidized lipoamide. Alpha-lipoic acid contains a disulfide five-membered ring structure with high electron density, significant electrophilicity and the ability to react with free radicals. Therefore, it has antioxidant properties and has extremely high health care functions and medical value (such as Anti-fatty liver and lowering plasma cholesterol effects).
Lipoic acid is mainly used to prevent sugar from binding to protein, that is, it has an "anti-glycation" effect, so it can easily stabilize blood sugar levels. Therefore, it was previously used as a vitamin to improve metabolism and was taken by patients with liver disease and diabetes. . Strengthening liver function Lipoic acid has the function of strengthening liver activity, so it was also used as an antidote for food poisoning or metal poisoning in the early days.
Recover from Fatigue Because lipoic acid can increase the energy metabolism rate and effectively convert the food eaten into energy, it can quickly eliminate fatigue and make the body feel less tired. Improves Dementia The component molecules of lipoic acid are quite small, so it is one of the few nutrients that can reach the brain. It also maintains antioxidant activity in the brain, and is also considered to be quite effective in improving dementia.
Alpha lipoic acid is a versatile antioxidant. Because it is water-soluble and fat-soluble. This means it has a wide range of effects, reaching every cell in the body to protect organs from free radical damage. As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid can provide some of the following benefits: Helps dissolve toxic substances such as mercury and arsenic in the liver by increasing glutathione production. Promotes the regeneration of some antioxidants, especially vitamins E, C, glutathione and coenzyme Q10. Plays an important role in converting glucose into energy. Helps enhance short-term and long-term memory skills.
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