Na-R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid) is a free radical neutralizer and involved in energy metabolism as a mitochondrial enzyme cofactor (1).
Unlike other Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) supplements, we offer superior bioavailability in the form of R-ALA, the naturally occurring type of ALA which is found in food sources and is produced within the body itself (5). The R-ALA we offer has been stabilized with a sodium salt molecule (the “Na” means sodium in its name).
R Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits
R Alpha Lipoic Acid Mode of Action
R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (one of two mirror-image forms of ALA’s chemical structure) is created in mitochondria, specifically in the mitochondria of the liver (1).
ALA can scavenge free radicals, recycle other free radical neutralizers, and chelate metal ions (2). ALA can reduce the oxidized scavenger glutathione, meaning that it can help activate glutathione back to a reduced form in which it will be available to neutralize more free radicals (3). Along with glutathione, ALA can also reduce Vitamin C and Vitamin E from an oxidized state and mitigate protein damage due to oxidative stress (2).
ALA can be found in dietary sources such as meat (mostly organ tissue) and fruits and vegetables. Spinach, organ meat kidney, liver, and heart tissue, broccoli, and tomatoes are good sources of ALA (1). Other sources of ALA in foods are potatoes, carrots, yams, beets, and yeast (4).
What does the Na-R mean in Na-R-ALA?
ALA exists in two enantiomers (chemical structures which are mirror images of one another) which are differentiated by the directions in which they are oriented (right and left, respectively). Unless specified, most commercial ALA supplements exist in a 50/50 mixture of both the right and left structures. This type of mixture is called a racemic mixture.
Based on the most current scientific research and studies, Pure Nootropics has chosen to provide the R enantiomer for ALA. R-ALA is bioidentical to the form of ALA ingested from food and produced endogenously within the body. R-ALA on its own provides better bioavailability than the other enantiomer, but it requires stabilization from the addition of a salt molecule (when R-ALA is referred to as Na-R-ALA). The addition of the salt molecule enhances ALA’s solubility which further increases its bioavailability (6)(7)(8).
In this stabilized form, R-ALA increases peak plasma concentrations of ALA 40-50% more than in a standard racemic mixture (5).
R Alpha Lipoic Acid Dosage
Pure Nootropics’ Na-R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid capsules provide 250 mg per 1 capsule of stabilized NA-R-ALA that is standardized to contain at least 80% R-ALA. Suggested use for adults is 1 capsule by mouth on an empty stomach, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
For further information, please see our References Tab above.
The references below are not meant to imply that any of our products treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or human condition. References to clinical studies and pre-clinical studies may use varying dosages and may not represent the dosages or subsequent results of products we sell; however, the references provided are pertinent to the subject supplement itself. References provided are intended for research and informational purposes only and do not represent the entire body of knowledge available on the subject(s) referenced; nor do they represent all possible outcomes associated with the subject(s) referenced including, but not limited to, adverse effects, precautions, or chemical interactions within the human body. The Content provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Never ignore the advice of a medical professional or delay in attaining professional advice because of information or impressions you gather on this website. Choosing to rely on any information provided by the Content of this website is solely at your own risk. We encourage our audience to do their own research beyond the resources we have provided so your decision is as educated as possible.
• Free radical scavenger*
Dasgupta, Amitava, and Kimberly Klein. “Chapter 16 – Herbal and Other Dietary Supplements That Are Antioxidants.” Antioxidants in Food, Vitamins and Supplements, 2014, pp. 295–315., doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-405872-9.00016-1.
• Highly bioavailable form of Alpha-Lipoic Acid*
Salehi, Bahare et al. “Insights on the Use of α-Lipoic Acid for Therapeutic Purposes.” Biomolecules vol. 9,8 356. 9 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/biom9080356
1. “Alpha-Lipoic Acid.” Examine.com, published Jan 5, 2015. Last updated Jun 14, 2018. https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-lipoic-acid/.
2. Higuchi, Masashi. “Chapter 15 – Antioxidant Properties of Wheat Bran against Oxidative Stress.” Wheat and Rice in Disease Prevention and Health, 2014, pp. 181–199., doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-401716-0.00015-5.
3. Dasgupta, Amitava, and Kimberly Klein. “Chapter 16 – Herbal and Other Dietary Supplements That Are Antioxidants.” Antioxidants in Food, Vitamins and Supplements, 2014, pp. 295–315., doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-405872-9.00016-1.
4. “Alpha-Lipoic Acid.” Food, Herb, & Supplements Database. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=767.
5. “Lipoic Acid.” Linus Pauling Institute, 1 Jan. 2021, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid.
6. Ikuta, Naoko et al. “Analysis of the enhanced stability of r(+)-alpha lipoic Acid by the complex formation with cyclodextrins.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 14,2 3639-55. 7 Feb. 2013, doi:10.3390/ijms14023639
7. Salehi, Bahare et al. “Insights on the Use of α-Lipoic Acid for Therapeutic Purposes.” Biomolecules vol. 9,8 356. 9 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/biom9080356
8. NutritionReview.org, et al. “(R)-Lipoic Acid: Unique ‘Mitochondrial Antioxidant’ Fights Premature Aging.” Nutrition Review, 11 July 2019, nutritionreview.org/2019/07/r-lipoic-acid-unique-mitochondrial-antioxidant-fights-premature-aging.
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