BODYBUILDING & TRAINING
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
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Alpha lipoic acid is an enzyme found in the mitochondria – the energy producing structures found in our cells. As a dietary supplement, alpha-lipoic acid may act as a powerful antioxidant, where it may work in synergy with other nutritional antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Prevents cellular damage (from free radicals)
Reduces oxidative stress
Lowers blood sugar
Increases energy levels
ALA was discovered in 1951 and serves as a coenzyme in the Krebs cycle and in the production of cellular energy. In the late 1980's, researchers realized that alpha-lipoic acid had been overlooked as a powerful antioxidant.
Several qualities distinguish alpha-lipoic acid from other antioxidants. It neutralized free radicals in both the fatty and watery regions of cells, in contrast to vitamin C (which is water soluble) and vitamin E (which is fat soluble).
The body routinely converts some alpha-lipoic acid to dihydrolipoic, which appears to be an even more powerful antioxidant. Both forms of lipoic acid quench peroxynitrite radicals, an especially dangerous type consisting of both oxygen and nitrogen. Peroxynitrite radicals play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, lung disease, chronic inflammation, and neurological disorders.
It directly recycles and extends the metabolic lifespans of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it indirectly renews vitamin E.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an approved medical treatment for peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. It speeds the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces insulin resistance, an underlying cause of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity.
| Supplement Facts |
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Serving size: 1 Capsule
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Amount per serving
per one capsule
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| Alpha Lipoic Acid
200mg
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Essential Fatty Acids
Every living cell in the body needs essential fatty acids. They are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells. Essential fatty acids that cannot be made by the body and need to be supplied via the diet or supplements. Deficiencies of the essential fatty acids have been associated with hormonal inbalance and degenrative disease. Essential fatty acids have profound beneficial effects on the body and influence hormone production, immunity and cardiovascular health. Essential fatty acids are important for normal growth, especially of blood vessels and nerves. In addition, they keep the skin and other tissues youthful.
Fatty acids are the basic structural units of lipids. Lipid is the general term which refers to dietary fat. The body can synthesize many fatty acids. However, those which it cannot manufacture in adequate amounts must be obtained from the diet, and are termed essential fatty acids (EFA's). Fatty acids can be saturated, monosaturated or polyunsaturated depending on the degree to which the basic carbon chain of the molecule is filled with hydrogen. The two essential fats are defined as linoleic-an omege-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid – an omega-6fatty acid.
The terms , omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, refer to which carbon atom of the fatty acid molecule the first double bond is located. Many nutritionists and scientists feel the western diet emphasises omega-6 fatty acids while omega-3 fatty acids are under-consumed. Including more omega-3 rich foods in the diet and decreasing the consumption of red meats, hydrogenated oils and other saturated fats may protect us against many of today's degenerative diseases.
EFA's are found most abundantly in fish oils and unadulterated seed oils such as, canola, sunflower and safflower oil. Flaxseed oil is an exceptional oil containing both essential fats in appreciable amounts. Flax, also known as linseeed, is nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids. Cold salt-water fatty fish such as herring, haddock, cod, mackerel and salmon are also rich in omega-3 polyunsaturates and serve as the source of fish oil supplements.
It has been recognised that EFA's have profound beneficial effects on the body and influence hormone production, immunity and cardiovascular health. Deficiencies of these various fatty acids have been associated with hormonal imbalance and degenerative disease. Fatty Acids maintain the structure and function of the cellular and sub-cellular membranes. Cholesterol transport, degradation and removal from the body is regulated by EFA's.
In addition, prostaglandins, hormone-like substances in the body, are influenced by omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids through a series of enzyme dependent reactions. Prostaglandins function to promote smooth muscle contractions, reduce blood pressure, regulate gastric secretions and influence other hormones.
Essential fatty acids are also important for normal growth, especially of blood vessels and nerves. In addition, they keep the skin and other tissues youthful and supple via their lubricating capacity. The most important fatty acids include: Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
| Supplement Facts |
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Serving Size: 1 Softgel Capsule
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Amount per Serving Each 800mg Capsule provides
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| Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol)
50 I.U.
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| Alpha-Linolenic Acid
(from flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and black current seed oils)
132mg
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| Linolenic Acid
(from pumpkin seed and black current seed oils)
168mg
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| Oleic acid (from pumpkin seed oil)
190mg
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| Zinc Gamma-linolenic Acid
(from borage seed and black current seed oils)
24mg
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| Rosemary oil
10mg
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Dosage and Directions: Take 1 to 2 softgels 3 times a day with meals or as prescribed by a health care practitioner.
Related link
NEW - The Block Range
For more information go to the USN web site
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