Thioctic (α-lipoic) acid is found in the human body, where it functions as a coenzyme in the oxidative phosphorylation reactions of pyruvic acid and alpha-keto acids. Thioctic acid is an endogenous antioxidant; according to its biochemical mechanism of action, it is close to B vitamins.
Thioctic acid helps protect cells from the toxic effects of free radicals arising in metabolic processes; it also neutralizes exogenous toxic compounds that have entered the body. Thioctic acid increases the concentration of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione, which leads to a decrease in the severity of symptoms of polyneuropathy.
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