Lipoic acid food oxidation

The oxidative properties of lipoic acid (see p. 51) also depend on the ease of interconversion of thiol and disulfide bonds. Methionine (34) is one of the eight essential amino acids for human nutrition and is deficient in the diet of vegans luckily, this amino acid can be synthesised for use as a nutritive food additive. One synthetic route uses 2-chloroethyl methyl sulfide (36) and phthalimide (37), as shown in Scheme 24. 

Lipoic acid is a vitally important antioxidant that also aids in the recycling of other antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, coenzyme QIO, and glutathione. While it is found in meats and potatoes, adequate amounts are unlikely to be provided via food sources. Lipoic acid as a supplement helps to prevent oxidative damage associated with aging, disease, and metabolism. 

In this series of books, the importance of oxidative stress in diseases associated with organ systems of the body is highhghted by exploring the scientific evidence and the medical applications of this knowledge. The series also highhghts the major natnral antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant snbstances such as vitamins E, A, and C, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipoic acid, and other nutrients present in food and beverages. 

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