Alpha-lipoic acid, the universal antioxidant, consists of two different forms, “R” and “S,” which have different properties.² 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 not very biologically active. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements typically 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.³ R-lipoic acid helps support a healthy inflammatory response, is an excellent free radical scavenger and has been shown to be more bioavailable than the combined “R” and “S” forms that ordinarily comprise alpha-lipoic acid supplements.⁴

Sodium-R-Lipoate is the “Next-Generation” Antioxidant

Through dedicated research and development, a novel form of R-lipoic acid has been developed and is seen as an antioxidant powerhouse. An innovative process converts the biologically active “R” form of lipoic acid to sodium-R-lipoate, which in a human study, achieved higher peak blood levels than pure R-lipoic acid.⁴

Not only does this newer lipoic acid formulation reach higher peak blood levels, it also achieves them sooner, ensuring rapid uptake from the plasma into the tissues.⁴ A study showed that after oral ingestion of Super R-Lipoic Acid, sodium-R-lipoate reached peak plasma concentrations within just 10-20 minutes of supplementation.⁴

Enhanced Antioxidant Activity

Unlike other forms of lipoic acid, sodium-R-lipoate 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.⁴

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 benefits for preserving youthful cellular energy levels.