Alpha Lipoic acid is a vitamin-like antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke, pollution, and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Alpha lipoic acid is regarded as the “universal antioxidant” because of its ability to interact in both fat and water. ALA can regenerate other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E and therefore plays a critical role in the antioxidant cycles of the body. ALA has beneficial effects for people suffering Type 2 Diabetes, as it has been shown to enhance glucose uptake into the cells and reduces nerve damage associated with diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant because it can quench free radicals in many parts of the body than vitamins C and E alone. Some studies suggest that Alpha Lipoic Acid may also support healthy blood sugar levels.