Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that claims to treat many age related diseases. Some of the diseases it claims to treat range from diabetes to heart disease. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is needed by the body in order to produce energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body and the body does create enough of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in order to complete this function. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is not in abundance in the body, when Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is in abundance it acts as a very powerful antioxidant. The only way to have Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in abundance in the body is to take it in supplement form. When Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is in abundance in the body it then can act as a particularly powerful antioxidant. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has the ability to protect our DNA. It is also suggested that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has the ability to make vitamin c and vitamin e more effective. These can then help protect cells and to protect against potentially harmful free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is on trial with regards to its effects on diseases, such as age related illnesses and AIDS. In Germany Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is given on prescription in order to treat some age related illnesses. At the moment, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), as with many supplements, is still under investigation as to its benefits.