Your body produces lipoic acid naturally. It is also found in dietary supplements as alpha lipoic acid or R-lipoic acid (RLA). In nature, the R form is the only natural form. In supplement form, ALA is found as a racemic mixture of S and R isomers. Of the two forms, the R isomer is much more biologically active. The R isomer of ALA is able to more effectively bind substances that use it as cofactor. In fact, the R form may be inhibited by the S form, making it less effective at binding as a cofactor.^†

Energy production: R-lipoic acid plays a key role in supporting energy (ATP) production within cells. When glucose is turned into pyruvate, it must then be transformed into acetyl-CoA before it can be turned into ATP within a cell. R-lipoic acid assists the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in carrying out this important step.^†

One of the things ALA in the R-form is well known for is the role it plays as a coenzyme for pyruvate dehydrogenase. This enzyme turns pyruvate into acetyl CoA which enters the Krebs cycle to eventually produce energy (ATP). RLA (along with B1, B2, B3, and B5) are all required as cofactors for the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme to function (and thus for energy production).^†

There is another similar enzyme called branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase that also uses R-lipoic acid as a cofactor. This enzyme assists in metabolizing the branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine into the Krebs cycle intermediates acetyl CoA and succinyl CoA that are readily used to make energy (ATP).^†

Antioxidant function: ALA in the R-form has a unique ability to function as an antioxidant in both water and fat soluble tissues. Its chemical structure allows it to be both lipophilic and hydrophilic, meaning it can travel in tissues filled with both water and fats. By donating electrons, it helps to regenerate NADPH which passes electrons to GSR (Glutathione-Disulfide Reductase). This enzyme recycles glutathione back into its active form, so it can be used again and again as the body’s master antioxidant. In a similar fashion, ALA in the R-form supports the recycling of other vital antioxidants in the body, including vitamins C, E, and others.^†

Liver detoxification: RLA is well known to support normal liver regeneration and protection against oxidative damage. It does this via a few different mechanisms. First, it acts as an antioxidant to directly quench free radicals by donating missing electrons. Second, RLA activates NRF2, a key transcription factor that activates detoxification and antioxidant genes. NRF2 stimulates anti-inflammatory enzymes and enzymes that promote phase 2 liver detox. Thus, R-Lipoic Acid can support normal damage repair by acting like an antioxidant, while also stimulating your genes to further produce antioxidant enzymes.^†

Mental sharpness: RLA provides neurological and brain support for mental sharpness. Its roles in ATP production, detoxification, and antioxidant function are protective to neurons. Nerves and the mitochondria in brain tissue are very susceptible to damage. There is a particularly low threshold for oxidative stress in brain mitochondria. R-Lipoic Acid supports healthy nerves, brain, and cognitive function via its versatile antioxidant activity. R-Lipoic Acid also supports the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA to support healthy blood glucose levels. Elevated glucose levels have been repeatedly correlated to declines in cognitive function.^†

Each vegan-friendly capsule of R Lipoic Acid provides 100 mg of R-Lipoic Acid (as sodium R-lipoate). Unlike the common S-isomer, the R-isomer form is well-absorbed into the body due to its higher water solubility. Pick up a bottle today and start experiencing the beneficial effects of ALA in the all natural R-form.^†