Alpha-lipoic acid is a vitamin-like chemical called an antioxidant. Yeast, liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes are good sources of alpha-lipoic acid. It is also made in the laboratory for use as medicine. Alpha-lipoic acid may help prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body, and also restores vitamin levels such as vitamin C. Alpha-lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to work as an antioxidant which means it helps in the removing of potentially damaging oxidizing agents