Food sources containing lipoic acid

R-Lipoic Acid: How Does it Act As An Antioxidant?

Article Summary:

  • The well-known antioxidant properties of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) are attributable to its ability to react as a both lipid- and water-soluble nutrient. 
  • Although R-lipoic acid is more bioavailable than its S-enantiomer, the overall bioavailability of lipoic acid is significantly low (30%).
  • Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery nanotechnology optimizes the solubility and absorption of lipoic acid, which greatly enhances its health benefits.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a critical component in the mitochondria and is necessary for multiple enzymatic functions. Chemically, ALA is present as R- and S-lipoic acid – enantiomers. Although R-lipoic acid is present naturally and is endogenously produced by living organisms, the low quantities of ALA synthesized by the body are insufficient to fulfill the body’s cellular energy requirements. Thus, ALA is mainly obtained from food sources, particularly fruits, vegetables, and meat. Nutritional supplements can also increase the naturally low levels of lipoic acid in the body. 

Below, we discuss how R-lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant and exerts beneficial effects on endocrine health and why you should consider including an advanced lipoic acid supplement in your diet.*

R-Lipoic Acid as An Antioxidant*

ALA plays a vital role in mitochondrial dehydrogenase reactions, which drive cellular energy production.* It also serves as an enzymatic co-factor involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and contributes to the regulation of gene transcription.* Discovered in the 1950s for its antioxidant properties, ALA, along with its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), is recognized as an excellent antioxidant and free radical scavenger.*

R-lipoic acid, the naturally occurring ALA, has a broad spectrum of action toward boosting the endogenous antioxidant system. One unique characteristic of ALA over other antioxidants is its ability to react as both a lipid-soluble and water-soluble compound. This versatility allows it to protect cellular components across diverse biological systems. The following table summarizes how R-lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant and contributes tooverall health and wellness.*  

How Does R-lipoic Acid Work as An Antioxidant?
  • Restoring the intrinsic antioxidant system: R-lipoic acid protects cellular membranes from the harmful effects of free radicals by interacting with vitamin C and glutathione, which, in turn, recycle vitamin E.* R-lipoic acid also increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, strengthening the intrinsic antioxidant system, which is the reason it is often called the ‘universal antioxidant.’*  
  • Acting as a chelating agent: Lipoic acid increases glutathione levels in cells that chelate and excrete various toxins, especially toxic metals, from the body.* Lipoic acid is suggested for heavy metal detoxification1, particularly for detoxifying mercury.*   
  • Modulating various signaling pathways: Lipoic acid functions as a redox regulator of proteins, including prolactin, myoglobin, thioredoxin, and NF-kappa B transcription factor.* Lipoic acid upregulates several cell signaling pathways, including oxidant (Nrf2) and insulin signaling.*
  • Acting as a detoxification agent: R-lipoic acid can work2 as a potential first agent for protection from mycotoxins — the toxic compounds produced by fungi or molds.* 
  • Neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS): Lipoate, or its reduced form dihydrolipoate, reacts with reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, peroxyl radicals, hypochlorous radicals, and singlet oxygen to mitigate oxidative stress.*

The therapeutic benefits of ALA are diminished due to its pharmacokinetic profile, which includes poor bioavailability triggered by its degradation in the liver, reduced solubility, and instability in the stomach. Although R-lipoic acid is more bioavailable than its S-enantiomer, its overall poor bioavailability dictates advanced formulations to enhance its absorption. 

Including An Advanced R-Lipoic Acid Formulation in Your Diet

RLA Pro SR is an innovative R-lipoic acid formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research. This hypoallergenic formulation contains the R-isomer of lipoic acid for optimized therapeutic efficacy.* The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology further enhances the bioavailability and absorption of lipoic acid, making it a therapeutic reality. 

The CyLoc® technology encases individual R-lipoic acid molecules in its dextrin fiber matrix to protect them from degrading during their transit through the gastrointestinal tract. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release the active nutrient molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum absorption. The unprecedented absorption of R-lipoic acid through the gut wall enables micro-dosing — using lesser amounts of active nutrients than previously required to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. With this revolutionary nutrient delivery smart system, a single capsule of RLA Pro SR can achieve a powerful and immediate physiological response. 

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 Tesseract supplements can support your endocrine health.*

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Citations:

1Bjørklund G, et al. Insights on alpha lipoic and dihydrolipoic acids as promising scavengers of oxidative stress and possible chelators in mercury toxicology. Journal of inorganic biochemistry vol. 195 (2019):111-119. doi:10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2019.03.019

2Rogers SA. Lipoic acid as a potential first agent for protection from mycotoxins and treatment of mycotoxicosis. Archives of environmental health vol. 58,8 (2003): 528-532. doi:10.3200/AEOH.58.8.528-532

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.

The advanced formulations based on our revolutionary, patented, and patent-pending technology are only available through Tesseract. No other medical, pharmaceutical, or supplement company is licensed to utilize our proprietary technology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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