R-Lipoic acid or R- Alpha Lipoic Acid is the natural form of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). ALA is a natural substance found in every cell of the body and available in some foods. In the cells, ALA works by helping convert glucose into energy and acting as a very powerful antioxidant. R-alpha Lipoic Acid only contains the R isomer which is the active form of ALA. Synthetic ALA usually contains both the R isomer and the S isomer, which is ALA’s inactive form. Being the simpler and bioavailable form, pure R-Lipoic acid is twice more effective than ALA. Recently, pure R-Lipoic acid is made available as nutritional supplements.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is known as the “universal antioxidant” because it is soluble in both fat and water. So is R-Lipoic Acid. Its unique solubility allows it to provide all R-lipoic acid benefits to all aqueous and fatty tissues in the body.
R-Lipoic Acid Benefits
- R-Lipoic Acid supplements play a role in managing blood sugar. It can reduce glucose circulating in the bloodstream by assisting the cells to effectively convert them into useful energy.
- Having enough R-lipoic acid in the cells helps in producing more energy for mental and physical vitality. Energy is produced from the utilization of sugar in the cells for energy production.
- As an antioxidant, R-Lipoic acid naturally slows the aging process. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from inducing oxidative stress to cells that leads to cell death. Cell damage and cell death are both associated to the signs of ageing.
- R-Alpha Lipoic acid is an excellent detoxifier. It can bind to heavy metals like mercury and cadmium and facilitate their excretion.
- R-Lipoic acid conserves the body’s supply of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It also increases the efficacy of these antioxidants.
- R-Alpha Lipoic acid supplements can boost glutathione levels. Glutathione is the primary water-soluble antioxidant needed for detoxification, prostaglandin metabolism, modulation of the immune system, and control of enzyme and hormone production.
- Taking R-lipoic supplements can be beneficial for patients with liver problems. Its ability to raise glutathione levels can help in the treatment of hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, accumulation of toxins, and poisoning.
R-Lipoic Acid Side Effects
The most common R-Lipoic acid side effects are alertness and difficulty sleeping. Taking extremely high dosages of R-Lipoic acid can lead to more serious side effects like palpitations and disturbances in heart rhythm. These R-lipoic acid side effects can even be aggravated when R-Lipoic acid supplements are taken with other stimulating supplements and medications. R-Lipoic acid use is best discussed with a medical practitioner.
