icon-account icon-glass

Popular Searches

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.

CATEGORIES

Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Benefits

9th February 2021

Health Nutrition

9th February 2021

By Shivraj Bassi

Looking to tone up, lose fat, fight disease and stay healthy? Then look no further than Alpha Lipoic Acid to help you reach your goals. Found in The Tone Capsules (as well as broccoli).

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) was first isolated in the 1950s. Initially, it was only looked at for its effect on glucose, but in the late 1980s it was found that ALA also had powerful antioxidant properties, and so was reclassified as an antioxidant. ALA is both water and fat soluble and can pass the brain-blood barrier.

As a result, it is often referred to as the universal antioxidant. Due to ALA’s unique properties, it can be used throughout the body, acting in the muscles, fat, organs and brain. Additionally, ALA can work on the inside and outside of cells, where it can destroy free radicals to prevent disease.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

ALA is a fatty acid found in the mitochondria of cells. It's essential for aerobic energy metabolism and also acts as a powerful antioxidant, breaking down harmful free-radicals which are by-products of energy production. ALA can be synthesised in the body, or consumed through eating meats and some fruits and vegetables such as broccoli.

The Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Amongst antioxidants, ALA is unique in its ability to remain active in both water and fat lipid environments. This means that it can help protect most areas of the body against the damaging effects of free radicals.

  • Generates Energy
  • Breakdown Carbohydrates
  • Boosts Your Immune System
  • Protection Against Liver Disease
  • Fights Against Diabetes
  • Battles Heart Disease
  • Protects Against Neurological Age Decline

The Science

Furthermore, there is research to support ALA’s ability to reduce oxidation and inflammation in the body. There is also some research to support the role of ALA in reversing some of the oxidant damage associated with ageing, so it could be considered an anti-ageing compound.

Interestingly, ALA is also thought to help the body utilise stored fat, which can aid high-intensity exercise performance and reduce fat mass – ideal if you're looking to get fitter and lose some fat.

Summary

ALA is one of the ingredients in The Tone Capsules. Recommended for those looking to remain healthy, maintain their youthful appearance, have more energy for their workouts and maximise the amount of fat you burn while doing so. 

References

  • Wollin SD, Jones PJ, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Cardiovascular Sisease . J Nutr. (2003). Click here.
  • Moini H, Packer L, Saris NE, Antioxidant and Pro-oxidant Activities of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Dihydrolipoic Acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. (2002). Click here.
  • Merry BJ, Kirk AJ, Goyns MH, Dietary Lipoic Acid Supplementation Can Mimic Or Block The Effect Of Dietary Restriction On Life Span. Mech Ageing Dev. (2008). Click here.
  • Suh JH, et al. Dietary Supplementation With (R)-Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reverses The Age-Related Accumulation Of Iron And Depletion Of Antioxidants In The Rat Cerebral Cortex. Redox Rep. (2005). Click here.
  • Stevens, M. J., Obrosova, I., Cao, X., Van Huysen, C., & Greene, D. A. (2000). Effects of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on peripheral nerve conduction, blood flow, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes, 49(6), 1006-1015. Click here.

 

 

< Older post Newer post >

Need Expert Advice?

Take the quiz

Take the quiz

If you're not sure where to start, take our 5 minute health consultation to get product recommendations tailored to your goals.
Read more

Other Insights

Why Creatine is Having a Moment

Why Creatine is Having a Moment

If you said “creatine” ten years ago, most people would’ve pictured a guy at the gym, slamming a protein shake the size of a fire extinguisher. Fast forward to today, and creatine is gaining more traction than ever – but not for the reasons you'd expect. It’s not just about size or strength anymore. It’s about mental sharpness. Recovery. Longevity. Hormonal support. Healthy ageing. And while it’s long been the most studied supplement in sports nutrition, new research is changing how we think about it – and who it’s for. Let’s break it down. First: What actually is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body produces (and you get in small amounts from red meat and fish). It’s stored mostly in your muscles and brain, where it helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body’s main energy currency. In plain English? It helps you produce energy faster and more efficiently. That’s why creatine’s been a staple for athletes and weightlifters for decades – because it enhances performance, power, and recovery. But that’s just scratching the surface. Reason 1: The science has evolved The benefits of creatine aren’t limited to physical performance anymore. In recent years, researchers have started to uncover its role in cognitive function, mental fatigue, and neuroprotection – especially under stress or during sleep deprivation. A 2021 systematic review published in Nutrients found that creatine supplementation “may improve short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning” – particularly in people who are sleep-deprived, stressed, or ageing . Another study in Psychopharmacology found that supplementing with creatine significantly improved working memory and information processing speed in healthy adults . We're also seeing promising links between creatine and age-related cognitive decline. There’s emerging evidence suggesting it may support brain health in older adults – acting as a protective buffer against neurological degeneration . In short: creatine is no longer just a “performance” supplement. It’s increasingly viewed as a daily health essential – especially for your brain. Reason 2: Women are in – and rightly so Historically, creatine marketing catered almost exclusively to men. The packaging was aggressive, the messaging all about muscle mass, and there was a persistent myth that creatine would cause bloating or bulkiness. It’s no surprise women stayed away. But now? That narrative is breaking down fast – and the science is doing the talking. Studies show that creatine may be especially important for women – particularly through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Research published in Nutrients highlights that creatine supplementation can support muscle strength, bone density, and mood regulation in women during and after menopause . It’s also been shown to help maintain lean muscle mass and support cognitive function during hormonal fluctuations – making it a powerful ally for long-term wellbeing. And no, it won’t make you puffy. The “bloating” myth comes from a misunderstanding: creatine draws water into your muscle cells (where it belongs), which actually supports performance, hydration, and cell integrity. This isn’t about bulking. It’s about feeling energised, strong, and supported in your body – no matter your life stage. Reason 3: It’s not just for the gym anymore The old creatine image was all about barbells and bench presses. But modern life demands more than just gym gains. We want to feel good, stay sharp, move well, and perform in life – not just during workouts. Creatine helps with all of it. Whether you're training hard, working late, chasing your kids around, or trying to keep brain fog at bay – creatine supports energy production, improves recovery, and sharpens your thinking. Even endurance athletes, office workers, and biohackers are getting in on the action. One study found that creatine enhanced oxygen consumption and reduced fatigue during long bouts of aerobic exercise . Put simply: creatine helps you show up as the best version of yourself, wherever life takes you. Reason 4: You’ve got options now Here’s the good news – the supplement industry is finally catching up. Gone are the days of industrial-sized tubs and confusing dosing instructions. At Innermost, we’ve reimagined creatine in a way that’s clean, purposeful, and fits into real life. At innermost, you’ve got two simple options: The Power Booster – our pure, pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate. Zero additives. Just high-quality creatine in its most effective form.The Strong Protein – our intelligent protein blend for strength and recovery, with creatine built-in alongside nootropics, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and functional adaptogens. One blend, multiple benefits. Both options are designed for people who care about their health, performance, and clarity – not just their biceps. FINAL THOUGHTS Creatine isn’t new. But the way we understand it - and who it’s for - absolutely is. It’s not just about muscle. It’s about mood. Memory. Mental sharpness. Movement. And supporting your body through every season of life. Whether you’re lifting, learning, leading, or just looking to feel a little more like yourself again - creatine could be one of the smartest additions to your daily routine.
Read more
The Dangers of Silica

The Dangers of Silica

Ever opened a sachet of hydration powder, only to have a puff of dust cloud waft up into your nostrils? You're not imagining it. Most electrolyte drinks on the market contain silica - a synthetic anti-caking agent added to keep powders dry, free-flowing, and easy to manufacture at scale. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes ingredients that doesn’t need to be there… unless your priority is speed and profit margins, not people. Let’s break this down. What is silica? Silica (aka silicon dioxide) is a compound found in sand, quartz, those little sachets that come with new shoes, and yes - in many processed foods and supplement powders. In this industry, it’s added to prevent clumping and help powders flow smoothly and zip through high-speed packaging machines. It’s not added for your health. It’s added for efficiency.  And here’s the thing: silica is not inherently dangerous when eaten in small quantities — it occurs naturally in some foods, after all. But when it’s inhaled, it’s a whole different story. Let’s talk about silicosis Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by breathing in fine particles of silica.  Many of these powders are so bone-dry and ultrafine that you can’t help but inhale a bit when you open a sachet. And while regulators have deemed it “safe” for consumption, they’re not telling you what happens when you’re breathing that dust in day after day. We think it matters. Why it’s used anyway (and why we don’t). Silica makes life easier for big manufacturers. When a powder is dry and ultra-fine, it runs like a dream through industrial machinery. That means more sachets filled per minute, fewer machine stoppages, and higher production yields. In other words: cheaper, faster, more profitable. It’s what most brands do - especially the ones backed by big investors who demand a return on their money. That’s just the way it works. Innermost is proudly independent. Something we don’t talk about often enough is that we’re 100% self-owned. No outside investors. No pressure to cut corners to meet someone else’s margin goals. That means we get to put your health - not shareholder value - first. We created The Hydrate Blend to be 100% natural, functional, and free from synthetic fillers. No nasties. No shortcuts. And absolutely no silica. Yes, it might cost a little more than the cheapest stuff on the market - but it’s better for your body, and your lungs. Let’s call it what it is. Most people will never think twice about inhaling the powder that wafts up out of their electrolyte powder. But we do. Because we know the supplement industry loves to hide behind shortcuts and call it innovation. Loves to throw in cheap ingredients because they’re easier - not because they’re better. Loves to race to the bottom on cost while pretending they’re leading on health. That’s not us. That’s never been us. We’re not here to cut corners. We’re here to raise standards. And sometimes that means doing things the hard way - like formulating a hydration product without any silica in it, knowing full well it’ll be way harder to do. But your health is worth the effort.
Read more