Although α-lipoic acid is not truly a vitamin, it is an essential cofactor for several important enzymes. An inability to maintain adequate levels of this lipid-derived molecule would result in which of the following consequences?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

α-lipoic acid is known to improve insulin sensitivity, so a deficiency would lead to decreased insulin sensitivity.  Lipoic acid (LA) is an essential cofactor for the E2 component of α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes, exclusively located in mitochondria. These include the PDH, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH), and branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complexes. Extensive evidence suggests that LA may have therapeutic usefulness in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetic conditions and that the intracellular redox status plays a role in the modulation of insulin resistance. Lipoic acid has been shown to stimulate glucose uptake by affecting components of the insulin-signaling pathway.

Although α-Lipoic Acid Is Not Truly a Vitamin, It Is