Science-Based Dietary Supplement Helps Defends Against Free Radicals Vegan Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) is a fatty acid that functions like a vitamin. ALA plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose that produces energy in cells. Lipoic acid is required for synthesis of acetyl CoA, a key metabolite in the cellular process that turns glucose (blood sugar) into energy. ALA Also has antioxidant properties and thus is important for controlling free radicals. Because it is soluble in both water and fat, ALA is sometimes referred to as the "universal antioxidant" Helps supports the body's defenses against free radicals Helps recycles antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E Helps maintain a healthy blood sugar level when used as part of the diet