Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid contains BioEnhanced™ Na-RALA, the sodium salt of R-Lipoic acid (RLA). Pure RLA is a very unstable molecule that has a tendency to polymerize with exposure to heat, light and moisture. RLA is also hygroscopic, or water-seeking. This presents problems for those wishing to supplement with RLA. Any of these conditions can lead to deactivation of the beneficial activity of lipoic acid. Unlike pure RLA, BioEnhanced™ Na-RALA is a stabilized form of RLA that won't degrade at high temperatures, is more bioavailable than regular RLA and has no solvent residues. Lipoic acid (LA) plays an important role in glucose metabolism and energy production. Because it is soluble in both water and fat, LA is known as the "universal antioxidant." LA occurs in two forms, designated as "R" and "S." Studies suggest that RLA, the natural form, is more biologically active than the S form. R-Lipoic Acid is chemically considered to be a weak acid. A principle of pharmacology is that salts of weak acids have a much higher solubility in water than the weak acid on its own.1 Supplementing with the sodium salt of RLA increases its solubility and improves its dissolution in the body. This is the principle upon which BioEnhanced™ Na-RALA was founded. Note: The RLA in this product is stabilized with Na (sodium). However, one serving of this product contains less than 1% of the Daily Value for sodium, an insignificant contribution to dietary sources. Research suggests that sodium may impact blood pressure in some individuals only when it is consumed as sodium chloride (NaCl, table salt) and not in other forms. The sodium in this product is unlikely to affect blood pressure levels. Effects of Lipoic Acid Lipoic acid (LA) is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that performs vitamin-like roles in the body. Also known as "thioctic acid," LA functions, in a similar way to B complex vitamins, as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates that produces energy inside cells for the body's metabolic needs. LA is required for synthesis of "acetyl CoA," a key metabolite in the cellular process that turns glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Because the body produces LA on its own, it is not classified as a true vitamin. As with other so-called "non-essential" nutrients, however, internal LA production may not always be optimal. Lipoic acid functions as both a water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant. LA's ability to act upon free radicals in both a watery and fatty environment makes it a highly versatile antioxidant. In the body, alpha-lipoic acid can be converted (reduced) to DHLA, or dihydrolipoic acid. Together, these two forms of LA make up a "redox couple," which means that each form can chemically change into the other and back again. DHLA also functions as an antioxidant. Supports the body's defenses against free radicals*
Recycles antioxidants such as vitamin C and E*
Helps maintain a healthy blood sugar level when used as part of a healthy diet.* |
