Alpha Lipoic Acid 250 mg

Alpha lipoic acid, also known as lipoic acid is a powerful, natural antioxidant slowly becoming recognized as having some unique properties in the therapy and prevention of a broad range of diseases. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid helps the body use glucose, hence alpha lipoic acid's potential role in improving blood sugar control. Alpha lipoic acid reduces complications from a high sugar diet. Lipoic acid is readily absorbed from the diet or as a supplement. Alpha lipoic Acid has a variety of benefits, particularly for diabetics.

Lipoic acid can regenerate vitamin C from its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid. Lipoic acid can also potentially regenerate other antioxidants. Lipoic acid increases the levels of glutathione, a very important antioxidant normally found in our cells and responsible for mopping up all types of toxins and free radicals. Glutathione supplements, however, are not helpful since glutathione does not have the ability to cross cell membranes. Fortunately, both laboratory and animal studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid can stimulate the production of this antioxidant. This is particularly important during periods of excessive stress or exposure to radiation or toxic substances. Lipoic acid also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the brain and is likely to protect brain cells from toxins.

R versus S forms of Alpha Lipoic Acid. There are claims made by some vitamin companies about the superiority of R lipoic acid.

Stereoisomers or enantiomers are different compounds with the same molecular formula and physical and chemical properties. Lipoic acid has R and S enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other. Consequently, the 3-D structure of the two is different, due to variation in molecular arrangement in space. Because of this variation one form, the R, rotates polarized light to the right, while the S form rotates it to the left.

The alpha lipoic acid present in Edible Science's Alpha Lipoic Acid  is called a racemic mixture and contains an equal mixture of R and S. The R form is the one that is synthesized by the body. The R form is the isomer utilized by the enzymes of the mitochondria for the conversion of food metabolites to energy. However, the S form does have antioxidant activity, and does not appear to interfere significantly with the R form, although this is not entirely clear.

Virtually all of the human studies to date (going back some 35 years) have utilized the racemic mixture, which is more stable and considerably less expensive. It is not known whether the R form is in fact more beneficial to humans than the racemic mixture. In spite of claims by some that the S form interferes with the R form, there is no experimental evidence to support this statement. In fact, there is no evidence to date that demonstrates unequivocally that the R form is superior to the R/S mixture in promoting cellular health.

Edible Science continues to evaluate this question. When and if peer-reviewed research establishes that the R form, without the S, is a superior protector of cellular health in humans, Edible Science will offer a product containing only the R form.