Lipoic Acids

R-Lipoic acid is a critical co-factor for several mitochondrial reactions. Studies have shown lipoic acid neutralizes excess production of free radicals within the mitochondria and reverses mitochondrial decay caused by oxidative stress.

Different Forms

Racemic (+/-) Alpha-lipoic acid is the non-naturally occurring, most widely available commercial form of Lipoic Acid.

R-(+)-Lipoic Acid (RLA) - Naturally occurring Lipoic Acid, the type the body makes and requires, contains the R form. This gives R-Lipoic Acid significantly more potency and efficacy, because the body "recognizes" R-Lipoic Acid and "knows" how to properly utilize and metabolize it (most key enzymes are structured to hold only the R-form).

S-(-)-Lipoic Acid (SLA) is a by-product from chemical synthesis of racemic alpha Lipoic Acid and may inhibit the most essential properties of the R form, including interactions with proteins, enzymes and genes.

R-(-)-DihydroLipoic Acid (R-DHLA) is the reduced (has electrons added) form of R-Lipoic Acid. When R-DHLA is oxidized (has electrons removed) R-Lipoic Acid is produced.

S-(+)-DihydroLipoic Acid (S-DHLA) does not occur in nature and is found in cells and plasma after consumption of SLA or (+/-)-LA.

(+/-)-DihydroLipoic Acid (R/S-DHLA, or (+/-)-DHLA or rac-DHLA) does not occur in nature and is found in cells and plasma after consumption of SLA or (+/-)-LA.