Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that performs vitamin-like roles in the body. Also known as thioctic acid or simply lipoic acid (LA), this compound functions as a coenzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and was originally thought to belong to the B vitamin family. LA is required for synthesis of acetyl CoA, a pivotal metabolite in the cellular process of transforming glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Since amounts of alpha-lipoic acid in supplements are up to 1000 times greater than the amounts of LA that could be obtained by diet, supplemental LA can introduce physiologic actions that food alone would not bestow. An intensively researched compound, alpha-lipoic acid taken orally is thought to go beyond its role as a metabolic cofactor and instead elicit a unique set of biochemical activities that can safely enhance many areas of health. Benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamin that has been shown in many studies to be far more bioavailable than actual thiamin. Benfotiamine taken orally is readily absorbed at higher doses, which is in sharp contrast to regular water-soluble forms of thiamin that exhibit a rapid decline in absorption when taken in doses above 5 mg. Human and rodent studies indicate that benfotiamine can greatly improve thiamin status, especially in comparison with regular forms of thiamin.