Lipoic Acid is a vitamin-like substance naturally produced by the human body. In addition to neutralizing dangerous free radicals, Lipoic Acid is also essential for the production of cellular energy.*

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R-Lipoic acid is a compact, sulfur-rich, vitamin-like molecule that is vital for energy production in all tissues. R-Lipoic acid functions as a cofactor for energy release from ATP in the mitochondria of every cell, which is essential for optimal immune activity. RLA has immune-strengthening actions in fatty or protein-rich tissues, and it binds up free radicals. It is fat-soluble, but it works well in watery tissue fluids too. As it can navigate cellular membranes throughout the body, Lipoic Acid can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect myelin, the fatty protective sheath around nerves.

Alpha Lipoic Acid consists of a 50/50 mixture of the R- (natural) and S- (unnatural) forms (enantiomers). It is the most widely available commercial form of Lipoic Acid. R-Lipoic Acid is the form of Lipoic Acid that occurs naturally in plants, animals and the body and is responsible for the specific beneficial effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid.

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R-Lipoic acid is the only variant of Lipoic Acid that exists in nature and is the only effective, bio-identical form. Lipoic can be made in two isomers, the R and S forms, but R-Lipoic Acid is the sole medically active variety. Because of the difficulty and high cost of isolating natural R-Lipoic Acid, many common formulas labeled ‘Alpha Lipoic Acid’ contain a synthetic 50-50 mixture of R-Lipoic Acid and (trans) S-Lipoic acid. These R- and S-isomers are mirror images of each other, but only the R-form brings true medicinal benefits, while the S-form is relatively useless. RLA is at least ten times more potent at a cellular level.

R-Lipoic Acid (RLA), is the natural form of Lipoic Acid — the exact type the body makes and requires. RLA is significantly more potent than Alpha Lipoic because the body “recognizes” it and “knows” how to use it.

Research indicates that not only does the human body have difficulty absorbing the unnatural (S) version; it may actually inhibit the most essential properties of natural R-Lipoic Acid.

R-Lipoic Acid has powerful antioxidant functions:

• It is essential for the production of cellular energy in the form of ATP, so it actually delivers a boost of energy*
• Regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism
• Has been shown to reduce inflammatory conditions
• Is neuroprotective, as it crosses the blood brain barrier
• Can chelate heavy metals
• Can reverse enzyme and DNA oxidative damage
• Increases glutathione production
• Can boost glucose metabolism
• May help improve insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar levels

Lipoic Acid is the only antioxidant that dissolves in both the fatty and watery tissues of the body, so it can protect the fatty cell membrane and the aqueous cell interior from harmful free radicals. 

*R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) can also boost the activity of natural and dietary antioxidants such as glutathione, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin C, to protect healthy tissues. Lipoic Acid may reduce the aches and pains associated with aging. 

RLA has powerful antioxidant functions:

• It is essential for the production of cellular energy in the form of ATP, so it can deliver a boost of energy*
• Regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism
• Has been shown to reduce inflammatory conditions
• Is neuroprotective, as it crosses the blood-brain barrier
• Can chelate heavy metals
• Can reverse enzyme and DNA oxidative damage
• Increases glutathione production
• Can boost glucose metabolism
• May help improve insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar levels

It’s preferable to take R-Lipoic Acid on an empty stomach, at least 1/2 hour before a meal, or 3 hours after, preferably in the morning to early afternoon.

If you experience any nausea due to lowered blood sugar, eat lightly. The absorption will be slower with food, but the efficacy will not be affected.

R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) inhibits the over-activation of inflammatory immune system cells, helping to calm excess inflammation which could impede immune action. RLA restores and improves the optimal function of natural killer immune system cells. It reduces cell damage in intestinal walls from common microbes, protecting the essential barrier of the digestive tract lining. RLA reduces the over-production of inflammatory cytokine proteins.

RLA regulates the brain’s immune response to microbes and certain viruses. It is a potent antioxidant and it increases optimal immune activity.