Lipoic acid-rich food.

R-Lipoic Acid: Key Benefits Explained

Article Summary:

  • Lipoic acid is a natural antioxidant synthesized by the mitochondria of the liver and other tissues. 
  • Lipoic acid’s strong reduction and low oxidation-reduction potential make it one of the most potent cellular oxidation regulators.*
  • The enhanced absorption and stability of R-lipoic acid in the plasma results in more pronounced benefits, highlighting its role as a nutritional supplement. 
  • Tesseract Medical Research’s revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enhances the bioavailability and absorption of R-lipoic acid to better promote overall health and wellness.    

Lipoic acid, also known as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), is a naturally occurring antioxidant synthesized in the human body. It exists in two chemical forms: R-lipoic acid and S-lipoic acid. Of these, R-lipoic acid is the biologically active form, endogenously produced in the body, and present naturally in many foods. In both animal and plant cells, R-lipoic acid serves as an essential cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme complexes, highlighting its role in cellular energy production.* The extensive biological activities of R-lipoic acid translate to numerous benefits for overall health and wellness.* 

Below, we discuss R-lipoic acid’s many benefits and why you should consider an R-lipoic acid supplement in your routine to realize its beneficial potential.

R-Lipoic Acid Benefits — An Overview

The antioxidant properties of R-lipoic acid and its ability to help maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response help mitigate several adverse health conditions characterized by oxidative stress.* The following table highlights the benefits of R-lipoic acid and how it supports various health functions.*

Benefits of R-Lipoic Acid 

a. Antioxidant support
  • The chemical structure of R-lipoic acid supports the elimination of reactive oxygen species.* Lipoic acid and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, can neutralize both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).*
  • Dihydrolipoic acid is a potent reducing agent that reduces the oxidized forms of several antioxidants, including coenzyme Q10 and glutathione.*
  • Lipoic acid can inhibit iron- and copper-induced oxidative damage and limit heavy metal toxicity.*
  • Lipoic acid promotes the activation of antioxidant signaling pathways, particularly enhancing glutathione synthesis in cells.*
b. Immune support
  • Clinical evidence suggests1 lipoic acid exerts beneficial effects on the adaptive and innate immune systems.*
  • Lipoic acid up-regulates the function of T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells, which helps maintain balanced immune responses.*
  • Lipoic acid is involved in multiple cell signaling pathways that down-regulate imbalanced inflammatory responses.*
c. Endocrine health support
  • Lipoic acid modulates2 insulin sensitivity and secretion, thereby benefiting glucose metabolism and glucose uptake in cells.*
  • Lipoic acid3 beneficially influences the levels of thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).*
d. Cardiovascular health support
  • Lipoic acid supports the functioning of vascular endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, thus playing a critical role in cardiovascular health.* Lipoic acid4 enhances endothelial function by increasing the bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO).*
  • The antioxidant properties of lipoic acid help limit age-related oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system.* 
e. Neurological health support
  • Lipoic acid exerts neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells, which helps to limit the progression of age-related cognitive impairment.*

The chemical structure of naturally occurring R-lipoic acid in food sources is bound to the amino acid, lysine, within proteins. In contrast, lipoic acid in supplement formulations is not bound to protein, allowing for significantly higher concentrations of this compound compared to dietary sources. 

The safety profile of lipoic acid is well-established, with  daily doses ranging from  200 mg to 2,400 mg generally being well-tolerated and free from adverse side effects. However, due to limited data available on the prolonged usage and potential contraindications of lipoic acid with prescription medications, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before including a lipoic acid supplement in your routine.   

Including An Advanced R-Lipoic Acid Supplement in Your Routine

Tesseract Medical Research’s RLA Pro SR® is an R-lipoic acid formulation developed for optimal bioavailability and absorption. The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables unprecedented absorption of R-lipoic acid molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract to achieve a rapid and powerful physiological response. With micro-dosing in single capsules, RLA Pro SR® helps you realize the benefits of R-lipoic acid to support your overall health and wellness.      

The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing absorption and bioavailability, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can support your endocrine health.* 

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Citations:

1Liu W, et al. The immunomodulatory effect of alpha-lipoic acid . . . . BioMed Research International vol. 2019 8086257. 20 Mar. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/8086257

2Capece U, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid and glucose metabolism: A comprehensive update on biochemical and therapeutic features. Nutrients vol. 15,1 18. 21 Dec. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu15010018

3Khoder NM, et al. Metformin and alpha lipoic acid ameliorate hypothyroidism and its complications in adult male rats. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders vol. 21,2 1327-1337. 8 Jun. 2022, doi:10.1007/s40200-022-01063-7
4Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F, et al. Role of alpha-lipoic acid in vascular function: A systematic review of human intervention studies. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition vol. 62,11 (2022): 2928-2941. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1861425

Al Czap, Founder | Tesseract

Al Czap has more than four decades of professional experience in preventative medicine. He founded Thorne Research in 1984 (sold in 2010) and he published Alternative Medicine Review for 17 years beginning in 1996. AMR was a highly acclaimed, peer-reviewed, and indexed medical journal. Al was the first to recognize the need for hypoallergenic ingredients and to devise methods of manufacture for and delivery of hypoallergenic products to underserved patient populations. His work has greatly impacted those with impaired immune and digestive systems and compromised health due to environmental exposures.

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