The Benefits of ALA

[IronMan]

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a unique nutrient shown to have a potent effect on glucose disposal. It is also a natural antioxidant with free radical scavenging abilities as well as the ability to regenerate oxidized antioxidants. This actually makes other antioxidants more potent.

ALA also increases the levels of intra-cellular glutathione. Glutathione has been shown to enhance recovery from heavy training by reducing intra-cellular damage.

ALA's ability to enhance glucose uptake is a very exciting effect that could enhance other nutrient distribution. By mimicking insulin, ALA increases uptake of glucose into the muscle cell by 65%. This glucose transport stimulation is accomplished through Lipoic Acid's participation in the insulin signaling pathway. Lipoic Acid provokes an upward shift of the glucose-insulin dose-response curve. This is an important function that enhances muscle cell nutrient uptake and protein turnover.

ALA may also increase creatine's ability to enter the muscle cell further enhancing creatine's muscle building effects. ALA mimics insulin. It works in the same way that insulin does by shuttling
glucose into the muscle cells.


It is recommended at 500mg/day in divided doses.

[Steve]

ALA also increases the levels of intra-cellular glutathione.

Hey, I'm taking that stuff - glutathione.
You can actually find it in Brazil...
This NAC stuff also looks promising.

ALA, NAC and glutathione are great for a post -workout supplement. They scavenge the free radicals that are released under stressful activities. Might be good as an after cycle thing, too.

Steve

[IronMan]

I wasn't exactly clear on what glutathione did for a person so I found the following:

Glutathione is actually a tripeptide made up the amino acids gamma-glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. The primary biological function of glutathione is to act as a non-enzymatic reducing agent to help keep cysteine thiol side chains in a reduced state on the surface of proteins. Glutathione is also used to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA. There is a direct correlation with the speed of aging and the reduction of glutathione concentrations in intracellular fluids. As individuals grow older, glutathione levels drop, and the ability to detoxify free radicals decreases.

Not sure what NAC is. Could you shed some light on the subject? Both products sound like a worthwhile addition to my daily supplement regime.

[Steve]

N-acetyl-cysteine -NAC - is the acetylated form of L-cysteine which is more efficiently absorbed and used. It is also an antioxidant that is helpful against viruses. N-acetyl-cysteine has been used as a liver protectant and to break up pulmonary and bronchial mucus. N-acetyl-cysteine can boost glutathione levels in cells.


N-acetyl-cysteine is the more efficiently absorbed and used form of L-cysteine. N-acetyl-cysteine can act as an antioxidant and is helpful against viruses. N-acetyl-cysteine has been used as a liver protectant and to break up pulmonary and bronchial mucus. N-acetyl-cysteine can boost glutathione levels in cells and is an FDA-approved prescription drug sold under the tradename “Mucomist” to treat acetaminophen induced liver injury.


Caution:
When taking L-cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, or glutathione, it is recommended that three times as much vitamin C should be taken at the same time to prevent these amino acids from being oxidized in the body.

Steve

[IronMan]

Great info, gracias! Do you have to get a script for the NAC or can you get it over the counter?

[Steve]

There are many supplement companies that sell the stuff.

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp41789_33...0_Capsules.htm



Steve