Lipoic acid works synergistically with which other two vitamins for cellular energy production?

• A. Beta Carotene and Vitamin D
• B. Thiamin and Niacin
• C. Methylcobalamin and Folic acid
• D. Vitamin K and D

Answer: (B)

Lipoic acid plays a key role in mitochondrial energy metabolism, especially in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex that links glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. Thiamin (vitamin B1) provides the essential TPP cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase to decarboxylate pyruvate. Niacin (vitamin B3) supplies NAD+/NADH, which are required for the redox reactions of this and related enzymes in the energy pathway. Lipoic acid helps shuttle reactive groups within the complex and allows these steps to proceed efficiently, while regeneration of the active forms depends on these B vitamins. So the two vitamins that work synergistically with lipoic acid for cellular energy production are thiamin and niacin.