Lipoic acid is available in three forms: R-alpha-lipoic acid, S-alpha-lipoic acid and RS-alpha-lipoic acid.
- R-alpha-lipoic acid is the natural, active form of lipoic acid. It is the only form that is found in nature and produced in the body.
- S-alpha-lipoic acid and RS-alpha-lipoic acid are artificial compounds, that are produced through chemical synthesis and usually sold as alpha-lipoic acid.
Research shows that R-alpha-lipoic acid has the right structure to link to membrane receptors and enzymes. Therefore it is metabolized more efficiently and has a higher efficacy than the synthetic, unnatural forms of lipoic acid.
Should a lipoic acid product not specifically be labelled as R-alpha-lipoic acid or R-lipoic acid, it probably contains the artificial, less effective form of lipoic acid.
Experts therefore recommend people who want to buy R-Alpha Lipoic Acid to make sure that it is the stable form of R-Alpha Lipoic Acid with high bioavailability.
One of the most important features of R-alpha-lipoic acid is to increase the production of glutathione in the body, which helps to break down toxic substances in the liver.
Alpha-lipoic acid also has the unique capacity to regenerate itself and other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10 or Glutathione, and thus to extend their time of action in the body. This is one of the reasons, why R-alpha-lipoic acid is so important in maintaining and promoting health.
In addition, lipoic acid helps to increase the positive effects of other important antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and coenzyme Q10 - two compounds which are essential in combating age and illness.
Together with B-vitamins, R-alpha-lipoic supports the energy production in the body by converting carbohydrates, proteins and fats into stored energy for future use.
R-Alpha Lipoic acid does this by helping to protect the mitochondria (the power plants in the cells) against oxidative stress, to make sure that the energy production in the body remains efficient.
By nature, R-alpha-lipoic acid is produced in the cells of the body. Unfortunately, the capacity to synthesize it, decreases with age. In order to maintain the protective property of lipoic acid for the cells, it makes sense to take additional alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement.
R-Alpha-lipoic acid is currently used by many doctors in addition to conventional therapy. It is known for protecting and even restoring the proper function of the cells throughout the body.
