Natural Sources of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid, also known as ALA, is a water and fat soluble chemical that is found naturally in the body. It helps the body release a natural antioxidant called glutathione. While there are supplements of alpha lipoic acid that you can take, many prefer to get it through their diet by increasing the consumption of ALA rich foods.

Alpha Lipoic Acid in Meat

Organ meats like kidneys, livers, and hearts are a good source of ALA. Red meats are always a source of alpha lipoic acid. There typically is 1 to 3 micrograms, or mcg, per each gram of meat weight of ALA in these meats.

Vegetables with ALA

Vegetables that are green have some ALA in them. These green vegetables include broccoli, peas, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. There typically is half a microgram per each gram of vegetable weight of alpha lipoic acid in these vegetables.

Fruits with ALA

What people normally consider a vegetable, but is truly a fruit, the tomato is another fine natural food that has alpha lipoic acid in it.

Alpha Lipoic Acid in Grains

Grains like brown rice also has ALA. The rice bran, or the brown outer coating, or hull, of the rice, is what provides ALA. It contains fiber as well, which is great for the body.

ALA in Yeast

Yeast extract and brewer’s yeast have alpha lipoic acid. Marmite, the popular spread in the United Kingdom, is a product of yeast extract. Any of these are a good source of ALA. Yeast is also sold as a supplement, but if you are buying it for ALA, typically you’d just buy an ALA supplement. Eating yeasty foods made with brewer’s yeast can also have some trace ALA elements.