Interestingly, because lipoic acid is found in the mitochondria (energy production units) of animal cells, individuals who eat no animal products may be at higher risk for lipoic acid deficiency than individuals who do. Vegetarians who eat no green leafy vegetables may also be at special risk, since the chloroplasts in these leaves house most of the lipoic acid.Since lipoic acid protects proteins during aging, older individuals may be at greater risk of deficiency.