Alpha lipoic acid is involved in energy production. Lipoic acid works together with vitamin E and vitamin C to protect the entire cell from oxidative stress.As an antioxidant it is a very small molecule that is efficiently absorbed and easily crosses cell membranes. Alpha lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble, so it can quench free radicals both inside and outside the cell. It also directly recycles vitamins C and glutathione and indirectly recycles vitamin E.

Alpha lipoic acid is an approved drug in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease). Several double-blind studies have shown lipoic acid supplementation (300 to 600 mg daily) does improve diabetic neuropathy.