Description alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) R is the only antioxidant that is both fat- and water-soluble. This is important because alpha-lipoic acid can access all parts of living cells, giving it the ability to trap free radicals and protect against oxidation. One of the leading causes of cellular breakdown is free radical damage. ALA R is one of the few substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier. ALA supplementation increases glutathione levels, which helps the body metabolize toxins.