Lipoic acid: magnesium versus sodium
Magnesium would appear to be the ideal candidate as a counter ion since it is bivalent (one magnesium can react with two R-lipoates) and comprises only 5% of the total weight. In addition magnesium deficiencies are common, so supplemental amounts could be beneficial. We started work on magnesium bis-R-lipoate in 2004 and were very excited about the potential of this compound.
Unfortunately, practical realities don’t always align themselves with theories. In practice it is very difficult to achieve the theoretical amount of R-lipoate in the salt due to the precipitation of insoluble magnesium salts and concurrent polymer formation.
We currently manufacture sodium R-lipoate (Na-RLA) in 100 kg batches whereas we would be limited to 10 kg batches of the Mg salt in the same reactors, which would significantly increase the production time and cost.
After years of experimenting to get the maximum RLA content (~ 90% RLA), we tested the oral bioavailability. The solubility of magnesium bis-R-lipoate is low compared to Na-RLA. I consumed the equivalent of a 600 mg dose in order to have direct comparisons to other forms of lipoic acid. The blood levels were only slightly higher than R-lipoic acid itself, which has notoriously low oral bioavailability. Therefore I could not see any reason at the time to pursue this further.
I think that the consumer would be much better off to take an oral magnesium supplement in the form of magnesium citrate or magnesium orotate than to try to derive it from Mg (RLA)2 .
- David Carlson's blog
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