Fulfilling the Potential of Lipoic Acid
Lipoic acid may be the body's most versatile nutrient. Its critical importance for health is scientifically documented. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant, it supports healthy sugar metabolism and liver function, and is integral to energy generation, which affects all biological functions. But few know that the commonly available form, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), is not the same compound that occurs naturally in our bodies. ALA is a 50/50 combination of natural form r-lipoic and synthetic s-lipoic acid - and the synthetic form may likely block the activity of r-lipoic acid, resulting in a weaker product. Because it is the natural form, r-lipoic acid is better absorbed and safely metabolized. And it is up to 10 times more effective than producing cellular energy, according to in vitro research, and may be a more potent antioxidant.
R-Lipoic Acid: Key to Cellular Energy Generation
Plants capture solar energy in their carbohydrates. in a reverse process called oxidation, animals extract that energy. R-lipoic acid is a vital link in the metabolic pathway that gives us the power to move the energy of intelligence. R-lipoic acid is synthesized in the mitochondria, the tiny power plants inside every cell that produce energy in the form of ATP. It is safely metabolized and up to 10 times more effective than other forms of lipoic acid in mitochondrial ATP production, according to an in vitro study.
Supports Glucose Metabolism
Human and animal studies show that r-lipoic acid can increase glucose uptake by muscle and nerve cells.By enhancing sugar metabolism, r-lipoic acid may protects cells from glycation.
In this detrimental process, excess glucose reacts with proteins to create tough cross-linked bonds that damage vital proteins, including the myelin sheath of neurons and the lens of the eyes. Scientists believe that glycation is a major source of tissue degeneration and cellular aging. Collagen, another important protein, is also subject to cross-linking, which inhibits the flexibility of blood vessel walls - one of the most important indicators of cardiovascular health.
Increases Antioxidant Protection
R-lipoic acid also neutralizes the harmful byproducts of glucose metabolism, free radicals. The body synthesizes barely enough r-lipoic acid for its metabolic needs, and this decreases with age.
As mitochondrial energy production becomes less efficient, more free radicals are generated. R-lipoic acid protects cells, particularly in the mitochondria, where most oxygen damage occurs.
R-lipoic acid is a leading component of the the body's antioxidant network. Unlike the body's antioxidants, it is water and fat-soluble, so it neutralizes a greater number and broader range of free radicals, providing more protection.
In animal studies, r-lipoic acid slowed the aging process, which may be the result of cumulative oxidative damage. Lipoic acid, known as the "universal antioxidant," is a strong antioxidant in its own right, but it also directly recycles Vitamin C and indirectly recycles Vitamin E for continued use. And r-lipoic acid is more efficient than other forms of lipoic acid at increasing levels of the key antioxidants, CoQ10 and glutathione.
Commercial alpha-lipoic acid is 50% synthetic s-lipoic acid, which can interfere with natural form r-lipoic acid when both forms compete for biding sites. Tests showed 40% better absorption by r-lipoic acid, as measured by plasma concentration levels. Source: Source Naturals
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Scientific References
- Bonaventura C., et al. 1995. Biochem Pharmacol 50(5): 637-46.
- Breithaupt-Grogler K. et al. April 1999. Eur J Pharm Sci 8(1): 57-65.
- Hagen T., et al. 1999. The FASEB Journal 13(2): 411-8.
- Loeffelhardt S. et al. 1996. Biochemcia et Biophysica Acta 1297: 90-98.
- Lykkesfeldt J., et al. 1998. The FASEB Journal 12: 1183-1189.
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