ALA alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a coenzyme which is one of the factors required for the first step in the citric acid cycle where fats and sugars are burned (oxidized) with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and NADH, which then passes through the electron transport chain to product ATP, which is the main form of energy our bodies require. Dr. Bruce Ames discovered that ALA and ALCAR are both required to generate energy, both diminish with age, and together they restore energy and mental activity in aging mice, and probably in people. Two products, Juvenon and Mito-C, provide these nutrients in supplement form.

This material was prepared for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for consideration by the Chemical Selection Working Group (CSWG) by Technical Resources International, Inc. under contract no. N02-07007

Acetyl-L-carnitine/"-lipoic acid supplements were identified by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) as a popular combination anti-aging and vitality formula that would be consumed over a period of many years to maximize potential beneficial effects.

In this formulation, acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride is thought to increase general metabolic activity and to improve cognitive function. "-Lipoic acid is added as a potent antioxidant to protect against the elevated levels of free radicals produced from the increase in metabolism. Thus, acetyl carnitine/"-lipoic acid dietary supplements have a potential market of tens of millions of middle-aged and elderly Americans who desire to improve their general health.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a mitochondrial metabolite that facilitates the movement of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy and is also used to generate acetyl coenzyme A. "-Lipoic acid is a coenzyme involved in mitochondrial ATP production and its reduced form can recycle other antioxidants.

Virtually no information on the potential toxicity of acetyl-L-carnitine/"-lipoic acid combinations was found in the available literature. "-Lipoic acid was not mutagenic in the Ames assay.