Description
Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA (87% minimum total R-lipoic acid) powder is heat and shelf stable, low in insoluble polymer (<2.0 %) and offers an innovative solution for capsules, tablets, and powdered drink mixes.
Contains 9-10% sodium, traces of carbonate, moisture, and soluble polymers of R-lipoic acid sodium salt. Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA is:
• Completely water soluble
• Significantly more bio-available than R-lipoic acid (RLA)
• 1000mg (1gram) RLA reaches a maximum concentration (Cmax) = 1.1 μg/ml in human plasma • 100mg (0.1gram) Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA reaches Cmax = 2.3 μg/ml
• On a weight basis Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA reaches a Cmax 21 times greater than RLA
Note: Although Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA may be suitable for multi-component formulations, the performance of this product in any new or experimental formula must be determined by testing its stability with all the ingredients.
Acidic components may adversely affect the stability and shelf-life of Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA containing products.
Specifications
• Off-white to yellowish powder, with >87% minimum total R-lipoic acid
• Specific rotation ≥ 92°
• Soluble in water: 1 g easily dissolves in 50 ml water at room temperature*.
• Melting point at 240° ~ 250°C (with decomposition, beginning at (~210° C)
• Free flowing, heat stable up to 85° C and ready for blending with excipients
• Available from 1 kg to metric ton quantities. • Particle size analysis; 100 % thru 20 mesh • Store in a dry cool place 10-25°C
* The absolute aqueous solubility has not been determined but is significantly higher in warm water.
Stability
Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA heated to 50° C for 15 min – RLA content drops down to 55-58% but total RLA is unchanged (80-90%).
Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA heated to 100° C for 15 min – the results are the same indicating the soluble polymer levels don’t increase or cause the RLA content to decline further.
RLA instantly polymerizes into a sticky yellow insoluble polymeric mass at 46-48 deg C.
Advantages
• Increased stability: requires no refrigeration and has a shelf life of at least 3 years without polymerization. Crystalline or powdered R-Lipoic Acid is prone to quickly polymerize upon exposure to heat, light, and moisture.
• Increased Solubility: cleanly soluble in water, whereas RLA is poorly soluble. • No Solvent Residues: due to the low melting point of the lipoic acid crystalline structure, there is a tendency for RLA to hold on to high amounts of cyclohexane, ethyl acetate or toluene. • The additional processing necessary to make Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA removes the residual solvents making it the ideal form of lipoic acid for consumption.