The Triple Threat

February 14, 2008

Supplements can play an important role in building your natural energy supply and your overall health.

Could the combination of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid and CoQ10 work for you?

Acetyl-L-Carnitine improves energy, alertness, and mood within just an hour or two of ingestion. Alpha Lipoic Acid and CoQ10 also help support cellular energy, and combining the three makes each one even more effective than if taken alone.

Mitochondria are tiny structures within the cells that convert nutrients into energy through the process of cellular respiration. Mitochondrial decay-and the consequent decline in cellular energy production-may be one of the most important causes of cellular aging.

This mitochondrial dysfunction seems to be in part due to free radical damage as well as a lack of important micronutrients in the cell. One co-factor that is critical for the transport of proteins in the mitochondria is Coenzyme Q10.

Cellular energy production itself produces free radicals that can damage cell structures, including the mitochondria, and lead to various diseases if the body’s natural antioxidant (anti aging) capacity is inadequate. Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Lipoic Acid are naturally present and anti aging antioxidants that have been shown to restore mitochondrial function and reduce free radical damage. Together with coenzyme Q10, they work to maintain the function of the mitochondria.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a molecule that occurs naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. Natural levels of Acetyl-L-Carnitine diminish as we age.

Common uses for Acetyl-L-Carnitine:

To enhance cognition.

Involved in the metabolism of food into energy.

Mild mental impairment in the elderly showed a significant improvement of several performances during and after Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment.

Reports indicate that Acetyl-l-carnitine may be effective in the treatment of dementia.

Prevention of diabetic neural dysfunction or peripheral neuropathy and metabolic imbalances.

To significantly reduce severity of depressive symptoms in the elderly.

Improve both spatial and temporal memory, and reduce the amount of oxidative damage to RNA in the brain’s hippocampus, an area important in memory.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a coenzyme in the energy production process in the cells which can provide quick bursts of energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid is unique in that it is both water and fat soluble witch allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to invigorating mental and physical energy and a reduction in muscle fatigue.

Common uses for Alpha Lipoic Acid:

Currently used in Europe to treat peripheral nerve degeneration (neuropathy) resulting from diabetes.

May play a role in controlling blood sugar.

May help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina.

Neutralizes free radicals. Unlike Vitamin C which is water soluble and Vitamin E which is fat soluble, Alpha Lipoic Acid is both water and fat soluble which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals.

May help reduce LDL (bad) blood cholesterol.

May help improve memory.

Chelates (grabs) heavy metals and binds them reducing these oxidants from blood system.

Recycles and enhances the effects of other antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

Prevents tissue damage and death after a heart attack.

Easily absorbed when taken orally and once inside cells is quickly converted to its most potent form, dihydrolipoic acid.

Important for regulating aspects of the immune system, in particular immune cells called T-lymphocytes.

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound and essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a very basic, cellular level and it is an antioxidant.

Common Uses for CoQ10:

Improves the heart and circulation in those with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, chest pain, or Raynaud’s disease.