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Lipoic acid helps protect against oxidative stress generated by high glucose levels. Alpha-lipoic acid consists of two different forms (isomers) that have vastly different properties. The "R" form is the biologically active component (native to the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid's phenomenal antioxidant effect. The "S" form is produced from chemical manufacture and is not very biologically active. Typical alpha-lipoic acid supplements consist of the "R" and "S" form in a 50/50 ratio. That means a 100 mg alpha-lipoic acid supplement is providing 50 mg of the biologically active "R" form.
The human body normally produces and uses the "R" form of lipoic acid. This active form, R-lipoic acid, significantly supports healthy inflammatory response, is a potent free-radical scavenger and has been shown to be more potent than the combined "R" and "S" forms that comprise most alpha-lipoic acid supplements.84-93
Life Extension is continually searching for innovative nutritional technologies. Now, through dedicated research and development, the discovery of a newer form of R-lipoic acid is being seen as the "next-generation" antioxidant powerhouse.
Life Extension's Super R-Lipoic Acid has demonstrated superior bioavailability, stability, and potency for a variety of health benefits. This breakthrough converts the biologically active "R" form of lipoic acid to sodium-R-lipoic acid, which, in a recent human study achieved 10–30 times higher peak blood levels than pure R-lipoic acid.94 Not only does this newer lipoic acid formulation reach higher peak blood levels,95 it also achieves them sooner, up to 12 times faster than R-lipoic acid, ensuring rapid uptake from the plasma into the tissues.94 A recent study showed that oral ingestion of Super R-Lipoic Acid reached peak plasma concentrations within just 10–20 minutes of supplementation.95
Unlike other forms of lipoic acid, Super R-Lipoic Acid is more stable in the body. The increased stability of this enhanced formulation is the reason for its greater absorption and bioavailability compared with R-lipoic acid.
The superior antioxidant effects of R-lipoic acid are already well known for supporting healthy mitochondrial function. Now, Super R-Lipoic Acid provides even more potent benefits for preserving youthful cellular energy levels. |