Health Guide

alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid

Have you heard of the 'Longevity Vitamin'? That's a great way to describe **Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)**, often confused with Alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid (AMTA). ALA is a powerful, naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. Unlike other antioxidants, it is both water and fat-soluble, allowing it to work in every cell of your body. It helps your mitochondria (the power plants of your cells) turn glucose into energy. While AMTA is a synthetic derivative being researched for metabolic diseases, ALA is the accessible, proven nutrient you can use today to support blood sugar health and fight oxidative stress.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

ALA Solubility Advantage

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Cellular Reach

Solubility Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Universal Antioxidant: Fights free radicals in both watery and fatty parts of your cells.
Blood Sugar Support: Helps improve insulin sensitivity, aiding in glucose uptake by muscles.
Nerve Health: May help reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (tingling/numbness).
Energy Production: Essential for mitochondrial function, keeping your energy levels up.

Deep Dive

Alpha Lipoic Acid acts like a 'recycler' for other antioxidants. After Vitamin C or E neutralize a free radical, ALA can help regenerate them so they can work again. This makes it a force multiplier for your body's defense system. regarding blood sugar, ALA mimics insulin slightly, helping transport glucose into cells where it can be burned for fuel rather than remaining in the bloodstream. This makes it particularly interesting for those managing metabolic health naturally.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike many synthetic derivatives, ALA is found in foods, though in smaller amounts than supplements. Plants make ALA to protect themselves from stress.

Food	Amount	% DV
Spinach	0.5mg per 100g	1%
Broccoli	0.3mg per 100g	<1%
Tomatoes	0.4mg per 100g	<1%
Beef Heart	0.8mg per 100g	2%
Brussels Sprouts	0.2mg per 100g	<1%

Supplementation

Dosage: Clinical studies typically use 300mg to 600mg daily. Who should take it: It is most beneficial for individuals looking to support metabolic health, athletes seeking recovery, or those concerned about antioxidant intake. R-LA vs. ALA: Supplements come as Alpha Lipoic Acid (a mix of 'left' and 'right' molecules) or R-Lipoic Acid (the naturally occurring form). R-LA is often considered more potent but more expensive.

Top Food Sources

Spinach

0.5mg/100g

Beef Kidney

High in natural ALA

Broccoli

0.3mg/100g

Tomatoes

0.4mg/100g

Brussels Sprouts

0.2mg/100g

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Your body produces small amounts, and it is found in foods like spinach and broccoli. However, most therapeutic benefits come from supplements.

Yes. ALA is best absorbed when taken 30 minutes before a meal. Taking it with food can reduce absorption by up to 40%.

While not a direct fat burner, ALA may support weight management by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake into muscles.

ALA is the natural vitamin. AMTA (Alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid) is a synthetic sulfur-containing fatty acid derivative designed to mimic some metabolic effects of ALA, often used in research settings.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety First: ALA is generally safe, but it can lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic or taking medication for blood sugar, monitoring is essential to avoid hypoglycemia. Rarely, high doses can cause nausea or skin rash. Always consult your doctor before adding a new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition.

Scientific References

[1]Goralska, M., et al. (2007). 'Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant.' *Journal of Ocular Biology, Diseases, and Informatics*.
[2]Tankova, T., et al. (2005). 'The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on oxidative stress in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.' *Diabetes Care*.
[3]Shay, K.P., et al. (2009). 'Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.' *Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects*.