Lipoic acid
Lipoic Acid
Lipoic acid (pronunciation: /lɪˈpoʊ.ɪk ˈæsɪd/), also known as alpha-lipoic acid and thioctic acid, is an organosulfur compound derived from caprylic acid (octanoic acid).
Etymology
The term "lipoic" is derived from the Greek word "lipos," meaning fat, reflecting the molecule's solubility in fat.
Description
Lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized in small amounts by plants and animals, including humans. It is also found in certain foods, such as red meat, spinach, broccoli, and yeast. Lipoic acid is a critical coenzyme for mitochondrial metabolism and is involved in the energy production process.
Function
Lipoic acid plays a crucial role in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells. It is necessary for the function of several enzymes that are key to the process of energy production. It also has antioxidant properties, meaning it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Related Terms
- Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.
- Mitochondria: An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.
- Coenzyme: A non-protein compound that is necessary for the functioning of an enzyme.
- Caprylic Acid: A fatty acid found in coconut oil and other fats and oils, used in perfumes and dyes, and as a reagent in the manufacture of various chemicals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lipoic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Lipoic acid
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski