Lipoic Acid Supplementation Delays the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (LA) is an essential coenzyme that is used in the production of adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP) within the mitochondria of cells. LA is unique in that the coenzyme is both water and fat soluble. Therefore, the coenzyme is able to effectively be absorbed through the lipid cell membranes, and be useful in the extracellular fluid within tissues.1 It is produced from an 8-carbon fatty acid, octanoic acid within the mitochondria.2 Research has suggested that LA can be synthesized from octanoic acid that is already covalently bound to LA-dependent enzymes. The synthesis of LA occurs when two sulfur atoms are inserted into octanoic acid. LA is composed of two thiol (sulfur) groups. These groups may be reduced or oxidized. This compound is known as dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) in its reduced form; whereas, the oxidized form is known as LA. LA contains two optical isomers called R-LA and S-LA. The R- isomer is synthesized endogenously and is bound to a protein.