α-Lipoic is an important cellular antioxidant that is fairly unique in that it is both water soluble and lipid soluble. This makes it a very versatile antioxidant because it can protect a range of cellular components from oxidative stress. One advantage of taking supplemental antioxidants is that they are able to spare cellular glutathione, which in turn is required to protect the cell from cellular damage. Rats fed 150 mg/kg of α-Lipoic for 8 weeks before and after exercise had significantly increased levels of glutathione peroxidase in the liver and blood suggesting improved antioxidant defenses. In addition, the normal reduction in glutathione S-transferase enzyme that accompanies exercise in cardiac muscle was decreased by the use of α-Lipoic supplements. Therefore in rats, oral supplements of α-Lipoic are significantly beneficial at improving tissue antioxidant defenses and this may significantly improve the overall health of the animals.
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