Supplement Godfather

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like compound that can be made by the body. It’s considered the “universal antioxidant” because of its very powerful and unique properties.

What is R-ALA and why is it the best?
Most ALA supplements are a 50/50 mixture of R-ALA and S-ALA. R-ALA is the biologically active ALA isomer and the form that’s found naturally in the body. R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can be used by the body and provide amazing health benefits. There’s really no benefit to consuming the S-ALA isomer; as a matter of fact, it can be counterproductive.

Why is S-ALA no good?
S-ALA delivers different biological actions than R-ALA and isn’t as effective at promoting health and well-being. At higher concentrations, S-ALA can actually disrupt R-ALA’s beneficial effects on mitochondria and energy metabolism. Further to that, S-ALA has less potent antioxidant properties than R-ALA and cannot bind to certain enzymes in the body.

How is R-ALA used by the body?
R-ALA is readily absorbed by the body and converts easily to its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), in many tissues of the body. Exogenous alpha-lipoic acid, and the metabolite DHLA, have antioxidant activity and can scavenge free radicals both intra- and extra-cellularly (meaning both inside and outside of cells).

Mechanisms of Action of R-ALA
R-ALA is a potent antioxidant in both fat- and water-soluble mediums, and can therefore protect all parts of cells from free radical damage. Also, its antioxidant activity extends to both the oxidized form and its reduced form (DHLA). DHLA is capable of regenerating vitamin C (ascorbic acid) from dehydroascorbic acid, directly regenerating vitamin C and indirectly regenerating vitamin E. Research show that R-ALA can increase intracellular glutathione and coenzyme Q10 levels. R-ALA is even capable of chelating certain metals and forming stable complexes with copper, manganese, and zinc.

Summary of R-ALA’s Key Benefits:
• R-ALA is the natural form of ALA that is made and used by the body.
• R-ALA is the form of ALA that delivers the most powerful antioxidant properties
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can regenerate other key antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can increase intracellular glutathione and co-enzyme Q10 levels (two of the most powerful antioxidants in the body).
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can improve energy production in the body.
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can support skin health.
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can protect the brain from neurodegeneration and disease.
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism (and help treat diabetes).
• R-ALA is the only form of ALA that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

For more about R-ALA, and specifically, how to supplement it during the day in conjunction with your other supplements, check out the Supplement Godfather's article here!

References:
Alpha-Lipoic acid Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2006;11(3):232-7.

Carlson DA and Smith AR, et al. Altern Med Rev. 2007;12(4):343-51.

Therapeutic Research Faculty. (2015). Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Alpha-Lipoic Acid monograph. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com