Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a nutrient required for cellular metabolism, specifically the breakdown of carbohydrates and fatty acids. ALA has been shown to support healthy blood sugar balance by activating an enzyme called adenosine mono-phosphate kinase (AMPK), a major regulator of cellular energy. AMPK coordinates both long-term and short-term metabolic changes, leading to an improvement in energy production and a reduction of energy storage. AMPK activates cellular metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity, downregulating genes involved in fat storage and activating genes involved with burning fat.