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What role does lipoic acid play in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism?
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organosulfur compound
Examples of organosulfur compounds.
Lipoic acid is an organosulfur compound that functions as a coenzyme in metabolic processes. It is essential for the oxidation of alpha-keto acids, such as pyruvic acid, which is a critical step in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.123
While lipoic acid performs a coenzyme function similar to that of thiamin, it is not classified as a true vitamin because no deficiency has been observed in mammals, although it serves as an essential nutrient for certain microorganisms.1