Alpha-lipoic acid, the universal antioxidant,
consists of two different forms, “R” and “S,”
which have different properties.2 The “R” form
is the biologically active component (native to
the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid’s
phenomenal antioxidant effect. The “S” form is
not very biologically active. Alpha-lipoic acid
supplements typically consist of the “R” and
“S” form in a 50/50 ratio. That means a 100 mg
alpha-lipoic acid supplement is providing 50 mg
of the biologically active “R” form.
The human body normally produces and uses the
“R” form of lipoic acid.3 R-lipoic acid helps
support a healthy inflammatory response, is an
excellent free radical scavenger and has been
shown to be more bioavailable than the combined
“R” and “S” forms that ordinarily comprise
alpha-lipoic acid supplements.4
Sodium-R-Lipoate is the “Next-Generation”
Antioxidant
Through dedicated research and development, a
novel form of R-lipoic acid has been developed
and is seen as an antioxidant powerhouse. An
innovative process converts the biologically
active “R” form of lipoic acid to
sodium-R-lipoate, which in a human study,
achieved higher peak blood levels than pure
R-lipoic acid.4
Not only does this newer lipoic acid
formulation reach higher peak blood levels, it
also achieves them sooner, ensuring rapid
uptake from the plasma into the tissues.4 A
study showed that after oral ingestion of Super
R-Lipoic Acid, sodium-R-lipoate reached peak
plasma concentrations within just 10-20 minutes
of supplementation.4
Enhanced Antioxidant Activity
Unlike other forms of lipoic acid,
sodium-R-lipoate is more stable in the body.
The increased stability of this enhanced
formulation is the reason for its greater
absorption and bioavailability compared with
R-lipoic acid.4
The superior antioxidant effects of R-lipoic
acid are already well-known for supporting
healthy mitochondrial function. Now, Super
R-Lipoic Acid provides even more benefits for
preserving youthful cellular energy levels.
- The FASEB Journal. 1999;13(2):411-418.
- Biochemical pharmacology. 1996;51(3):233-238.
- Biofactors
. 2003;17(1-4):207-213.
Alternative medicine review: a journal
of clinical therapeutic. 2007;12(4):343-51.
