WHAT IS 5-ALA?
5-ALA (5-Aminolevulinic Acid) is considered the source of life for the body.
5-ALA is an amino acid synthesized in the cells of both animals and plants. For the human body, 5-ALA is a precursor to the synthesis of Heme, which is the premise for the formation of hemoglobin, also known as red blood cells, thereby supporting the metabolism, transporting nutrients and energy throughout our body.
WHERE IS 5-ALA FOUND?
5-ALA is found in everyday foods such as: octopus, shiitake mushrooms, squid, bananas, bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, ground beef, potatoes… 5-ALA is
also found in fermented and alcoholic foods such as: yeast, sochu yeast, sake, sake yeast, vinegar, wine…
USES OF 5-ALA:
- Strengthening immunity: 5-ALA helps the body activate the enzyme HO – 1 to break down Heme into Bilirubin compounds that can effectively regulate the immune system.
- Providing energy (ATP): The body is energized thanks to 5-ALA maintaining well-functioning intracellular cycles to promote the production of sufficient ATP for the entire body.
- Supporting diabetes improvement: 5-ALA helps control and stabilize blood glucose tolerance in people with diabetes.
- Supporting mental health: 5-ALA can improve mental health by supporting the synthesis of compounds necessary for the nervous system such as Serotonin, Tryptophan, Melatonin, bringing a good night’s sleep and a refreshing spirit. In addition, the supply and circulation of oxygen and energy to brain cells also helps improve memory loss in the elderly.
- Preventing viruses: 5-ALA has the ability to prevent viral proliferation thanks to the compounds PpIX and Heme, which help inactivate the growth ability of viruses such as dengue virus, yellow fever virus, SARS-CoV-2 virus, and at the same time prevent the transcription process of the virus.
5-ALA SUPPORTS CANCER TREATMENT
In cancer treatment, 5-ALA has the ability to synthesize PpIX, which is considered a photosensitizer, a compound that can mark the presence of cancer cells. This is an extremely important compound in the treatment process with photodynamic therapy (PDT). More specifically, after adding 5-ALA to the body, unlike healthy cells, cancer cells block the bond between PpIX and iron ions, causing the amount of Heme synthesized to be limited and PpIX to accumulate. At that time, PpIX will become a photosensitizer that supports the use of fluorescence to shine on the area to be examined, thereby making it easier to recognize cancer cells.
Not only detecting, the fluorescence after shining will produce free oxygen radicals (ROS) that destroy the structure of cancer cells. At the same time, the production of ROS sends a warning signal to the body’s immune system. The immune system then identifies the remaining fragments of cancer cells as targets and completely eliminates them.
Combined with other therapies such as immunotherapy, the destroyed cancer cells can be completely eliminated by stimulating white blood cells, which have the function of finding and destroying disease-causing cells. This can also be considered a therapy that limits side effects on the body.
In addition, after treatment, 5-ALA also helps the body recover faster so that we can return to our daily lives sooner.
WHO SHOULD USE 5-ALA?
– Need to maintain and improve overall health.
– Weakened immune system, often have health problems.
– Irregular eating, not getting enough nutrients.
– Frequent stress, memory loss.
– Hormonal disorders.
– Frequent hypoxia.
– Premature aging.
– Frequent insomnia, dizziness, lightheadedness.
– Elderly people, suffering from underlying diseases.
– Diabetic patients, need to stabilize and control blood sugar levels.
– People with cancer need supportive therapy, the least harmful to restore health.
