- R and S forms in equal quantities.
- Fat- and water-soluble antioxidant.
- Plays a role in regulating genes associated with antioxidant and inflammation pathways.
- Helps optimise energy metabolism.
Main products | 33.00 € |
2 Additional products selected | 64.00 € |
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg is a dietary supplement containing alpha-lipoic acid, a sulphur-containing antioxidant present in all prokaryotic (unicellular) and eukaryotic (multicellular) organisms. The human body is able to synthesise it from fatty acids and cysteine, but only in very small amounts (1).
Alpha Lipoic Acid 250mg contains the R form, the one produced naturally, and the S form, presumed inactive, in equal amounts. Two other supplements in our catalogue contain the natural form only: R-Lipoic Acid 100mg and Sodium R-Lipoate 300mg, a version with enhanced bioavailability.
Alpha-lipoic acid plays a role in regulating genes associated with antioxidant and inflammation pathways (2). As an enzymatic co-factor, it plays a key role in energy metabolism (3) and maximises the potency of vitamins C and E.
It exists in 2 forms: the R form (produced naturally by the body) and the S form (which appears to be inactive in the body). In the process of manufacturing alpha-lipoic acid, both forms are produced in equal amounts.
Supplements which contain the R form only are therefore more expensive to produce as they require the additional and costly step of eliminating all the S form molecules.
There are very few good dietary sources: offal (particularly liver), a few green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and yeast.
It’s thought 200mg-600mg of alpha-lipoic acid in supplements (1 to 2 capsules of Alpha Lipoic Acid) provides 1000 times more alpha-lipoic acid than can be obtained from the diet (4).
It’s important to take it in between, rather than with, meals as its bioavailability is significantly reduced by other nutrients and micronutrients. Once ingested, it reaches the intestinal barrier where it monopolises two main transporters to enable it to reach various tissues (5). It is therefore broken down very quickly with a half-life of around 30 minutes (6).
Alpha-lipoic acid is highly-sensitive to heat, light and humidity: it’s therefore essential to store it in a cool, dry place away from light.
Clinical trials have shown no side-effects from daily doses of up to 2400mg a day, taken over extended periods (7).
Other ‘innovative’ antioxidant supplements which can be taken alongside alpha-lipoic acid include:
Daily serving: 2 tablets Number of servings per bottle: 30 |
Quantity per serving |
Alpha lipoic acid | 500 mg |
Other ingredients: Acacia gum, rice bran. |
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