Alpha Lipoic Acid is characterized as the "universal antioxidant" which is able to deactivate more free-radical cells than most anti-oxidants, the majority of which tend to dissolve in either fat or water but not both.  Alpha Lipoic Acid can reach tissues composed mainly of fat, such as the nervous system, as well as those made mainly of water, such as the heart and therefore protect both lipoproteins and membranes; no other natural anti-oxidant can do this.