Description
Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized in small amounts by plants and animals, including humans. Endogenously synthesized LA is covalently bound to specific proteins, which function as cofactors for several important mitochondrial enzyme complexes. In addition to the physiological functions of protein-bound LA, there is increasing scientific and medical interest in potential therapeutic uses of pharmacological doses of free LA. LA contains two thiol groups, which may be oxidized or reduced. The reduced form is known as dihydrolipoic acid, while the oxidized form is known as LA. LA also contains an asymmetric carbon, meaning there are two possible optical isomers that are mirror images of each other. Only the R- isomer is endogenously synthesized and bound to protein. Free LA supplements may contain either R-LA or a 50/50 (racemic) mixture of R-LA and S-LA.
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