R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Na-R-ALA)
Also known as: R-lipoic acid, R-LA, sodium R-lipoate, Na-R-ALA, R-(+)-lipoic acid, Bio-Enhanced R-Lipoic Acid
R-alpha-lipoic acid is the naturally occurring enantiomer of lipoic acid, the form made in mitochondria and used as a cofactor for energy-producing enzymes. Free R-ALA is unstable and tends to polymerize with heat, so the stabilized sodium salt (Na-R-ALA) is preferred; it dissolves readily and shows higher peak plasma levels than the racemic form. It is used in blood-sugar, antioxidant, and mitochondrial support formulas at lower doses than racemic ALA.
Research summary
Cofactor for pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase; regenerates other antioxidants and supports insulin signaling pathways.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 100–300 mg | 600 mg | — |
Pharmacokinetic work used 600 mg of Na-R-ALA in single doses; commercial products typically deliver 100–300 mg because plasma exposure is higher than an equal dose of racemic ALA. Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. Specify the stabilized sodium salt; free R-ALA can polymerize during encapsulation and storage.
Standardization: assayed as R-lipoic acid (sodium R-lipoate is about 85–90% R-ALA by mass)
Source material: synthetic (chirally resolved), supplied as sodium salt
As supplied: Sodium R-lipoate contains roughly 85–90% R-ALA by weight; verify against the supplier CoA when calculating dose.
Forms of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Na-R-ALA) | 100–300 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | high |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid (racemic) | 300–600 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Heat-sensitive; avoid hot processes. Sulfur odor. Hygroscopic sodium salt should be handled in low humidity. Not suited to gummies or liquids.
Formulation notes
May add to glucose-lowering effects of other blood-sugar ingredients; keep away from heat during manufacturing.
Sources
Related ingredients
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