Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that performs vitamin-like roles in the body. It functions as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates and is required for synthesis of acetyl CoA, a key metabolite in the cellular process that turns glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Because the body produces alpha-lipoic acid on its own, it is not classified as a true vitamin. But as with other non-essential nutrients, internal production may not always be optimal.
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