ALA, CoQ10 and ALC The Anti-Aging Triplets That Work!

At an anti-aging conference, entitled "Diet and Optimum Health," sponsored by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University one of the key nutrients discussed was alpha lipoic acid (ALA). In animal and human studies, this compound has established that is will slow the aging process, improve blood flow, enhance immune function and promote healthy blood sugar and many other functions. Dr. Tory Hagen, a researcher at Linus Pauling Institute, noted, "the evidence suggests that lipoic acid is actually a low-level stressor that turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including many of those that naturally decline with age." He further added, "In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound to those of a young animal.

Researchers at Oregon State University now believe that ALA does not work directly on cells but rather indirectly, by giving a boost to declining cellular function. Hagen adds, "Our studies have shown that mice supplemented with lipoic acid have a cognitive ability, behavior and genetic expression of almost 100% detoxification and antioxidant genes that are comparable to that of young animals. They aren't just living longer, they're living better – and that's the goal we're after."

There was another study published several years ago where aged rats were given a combination of ALC and ALA. We have recommend this combination in the past as alpha lipoic acid (ALA), along acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) are a great antiaging combination. Not only did these rats perform in a more youthful fashion, when their brains were autopsied, it actually showed regeneration of brain neurons and tissue. Whether this happens in a similar fashion in humans we don't know yet but ALC and ALA have been put into the category of anti-aging nutrients.

ALC works by providing fuel for the cell via the Kreb's cycle and promotes healthy mitochondrial function in a manner similar but complimentary to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). ALA, CoQ10 and ALC combined are the three most powerful anti-aging nutrients you can take that promote healthy energy, cellular health, cardiovascular health, healthy blood sugar and optimal neurological health.