Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a mitochondrial fatty acid that is involved in energy metabolism. ALA is a potent anti-oxidant compound. It works with mitochondria and the body's natural antioxidant defenses. It is also seen as an anti-aging compound since it can reverse some of the oxidant damage related effects of aging.
ALA is synthesized in the body and can be consumed through eating meats and in some fruits/vegetables. As a supplement, it has shown benefit against various forms of oxidation and inflammation. Alpha-lipoic acid is one of the most popular antioxidants, widely used in sports and health supplementation.
ALA can be used as a powerful antioxidant against aging, it assists weight loss, it is often found in stacks for pre-workout supplementation. ALA is one of the most popular “assistants” for muscle mass increasing, combined with a high carb meal.
Top 10 Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Reviewed
Pure ALA
by Primaforce
What Are the Benefits of PrimaForce ALA Usage
PrimaForce Pure ALA is an extremely powerful antioxidant and a nutrients-delivering system:
- Decrease fat storage;
- Maximize muscle fullness;
- Potent antioxidant.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With R-ALA
No, there aren’t. Research has shown that the adoption of the ALA supplement is safe in case of moderate consumption.
To Whom This Product Is Suitable For
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption:
- ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism. This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity.
- ALA is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is believed that alpha-lipoic acid slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement, take 1-3 capsule with meals, containing carbohydrates.
Alpha Lipoic Sustain
by Jarrow Foods
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Sustain Used For
Alpha Lipoic Sustain is a high-tech product created by a special two-layer technology for a quick and consistent slow release.
The special system ensures maximum concentration in the blood and maintains its stable level without this leading to gastrointestinal irritation and fluctuations in the blood sugar.
What Are the Benefits of ALA and Biotin Usage
Alpha-lipoic acid is a unique and lipid-soluble antioxidant that is an important cofactor in energy production. It also helps with the regulation of glucose metabolism.
Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements promote the synthesis of Glutathione, which is a major component of the endogenous antioxidant system. Biotin is an essential cofactor that is important for energy production and lipid metabolism. Biotin ensures the optimal activity of ALA.
What Exactly "Sustain" Means In This Formula
The specific double-ply Sustain™ tablets combine 1/3 fast and 2/3 slow-release, thus providing fast high levels of ALA in the blood, after which the levels are maintained for a long period of time.
Is This Product Suitable for Athletes and Active People
ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption
ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism. This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity.
ALA is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is believed that it slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with food.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
by NOW Foods
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Used For
Alpha-lipoic acid is among the miraculous substances involved in the vital biochemical processes in our body. It is indispensable for the full absorption of carbohydrates and their degradation to energy.
ALA has the ability to lower blood sugar and to optimize glycemic control. This leads to a proven beneficial effect on the various forms of diabetes. That improves the complications caused by it, such as insulin resistance and polyneuropathy.
Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are one of the most powerful antioxidants. Its presence in the body provides better absorption of other antioxidants - coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E, and others. It greatly enhances their effect. Its ability to cope with the dangerous free radicals makes it invaluable to human health.
What Are the Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid Usage
Our bodies, however, synthesize less than the required ALA and the acid fails to do its job well. NOW Foods Alpha Lipoic Acid will increase its levels in your blood and this will:
- Protect your cells from aging;
- Bind with heavy metals, toxins, and harmful substances and get them out of the body;
- Protect the liver and restore the performance of its cells;
- Have a nice impact on the nerve and brain cells and will thus act against dangerous diseases;
- Enhance eyesight and keep eyes healthy;
- Minimize bone loss;
- Support the work of muscles and others.
Is This Product Suitable for Athletes and Active People
- ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism.
- Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption
ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism. This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity. ALA is also a very powerful antioxidant.
It is believed that it slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with food.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
by Jarrow Foods
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Used For
Jarrow Formulas Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique lipid-soluble antioxidant, which is a cofactor in energy production in the organism and plays a crucial role in the regulation of glucose metabolism.
ALA also promotes the glutathione synthesis - another powerful antioxidant and critical component of the endogenous antioxidant system.
What Are the Benefits of ALA and Biotin Usage
Alpha-lipoic acid plays an important role in the production of energy from carbohydrates, participating in this multi-enzyme process on many levels. ALA supplements and products stimulate insulin activity and improve the burning of glucose.
It is important for athletes and people with overweight because their muscle activity requires effective sugar metabolism. Biotin is an essential cofactor that is important for energy production and lipid metabolism.
Biotin is added for the optimum activity of ALA. Since Biotin and ALA are transported by the same mechanism, an increased intake of ALA can prevent the absorption of Biotin and the coenzymes’ functions.
Like Alpha Lipoic Acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Biotin supports the mitochondrial efficiency and even the mitochondrial biogenesis. In order to ensure protection against biotin deficiency, Jarrow Formulas Alpha Lipoic Acid contains more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of Biotin.
Is This Product Suitable for Athletes and Active People
ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption
ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism. This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity.
ALA is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is believed that it slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with food.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
by Natrol Foods
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid Used For
Alpha-lipoic acid by Natrol is an effective product with powerful antioxidant action. It neutralizes the free radicals in the body and protects the cells from damage.
ALA also promotes the glutathione synthesis - another powerful antioxidant and critical component of the endogenous antioxidant system.
How Does Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid Work
Alpha-lipoic acid is a necessary fatty acid for the body that produces energy for the maintenance of normal life functions. It is involved in the conversion of glucose (blood sugar) into energy.
This fatty acid has antioxidant properties and has the ability to neutralize the potentially dangerous substances (i.e. free radicals). What is unique about alpha lipoic acid is that it functions both in aqueous and in a fatty medium, in contrast to the well-known antioxidants vitamin C and E.
Is This Product Suitable for Athletes and Active People
Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements are widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption
ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism. This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity.
ALA is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is believed that it slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid
Take 1 capsule once a day at mealtimes.
R+ Alpha Lipoic Acid
by ALLMAX Nutrition
What Is ALLMAX R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
ALLMAX R-ALA promotes the absorption of glycogen in the muscles by optimizing insulin activity and helping speed up the delivery of a number of nutrients in your muscles before and after exercise.
R-ALA can help speed up the recovery of the muscles and may be combined with creatine in order to create a powerful anabolic compound.
What Are the Benefits of R-ALA Usage
R-ALA supplements is an extremely powerful antioxidant and a nutrients-delivering system:
- Increases food delivery;
- Deactivates the harmful free radicals in the cells;
- Enhances insulin activity.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with R-ALA
No, there aren’t. Research has shown that the adoption of R-ALA is safe in case of moderate consumption.
Why Has the ALLMAX Called Their Product R-ALA
The R form, also known as a racemic alpha-lipoic acid is the biologically active form of the lipoic acid. The body can efficiently use this form and is able to take it in its metabolism.
Many of the ALA products available on the market today consist almost entirely of the S (-) isomer of the alpha-lipoic acid. These inferior products are significantly lower in their nutrients supply and have reduced antioxidant properties.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption
ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism. This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity.
ALA is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is believed that it slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement, take 1-3 capsule with meals, containing carbohydrates.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
by Doctor's Best
General Overview on Doctor's Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- Science-based nutrition;
- Dietary supplement;
- Defends against free radicals;
- Vegan;
- Non-GMO and gluten-free.
What Are the Benefits of Doctor's Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement
A fatty acid known for resembling a vitamin in its functionality, Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a coenzyme that has a critical role in metabolizing glucose. ALA is also renowned for its antioxidant qualities that help control free radicals in the body.
Given that it is both fat and water-soluble, ALA if popularly called the "universal" antioxidant. Doctor's Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid is beneficial to:
- Provide support to the body's defense mechanism against harmful free radicals.
- Recycle vitamins E and C, key antioxidants.
- Aids in the maintenance of healthy blood glucose levels when used as a dietary supplement.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with ALA
No, there aren’t. Research has shown that the adoption of Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements is safe in case of moderate consumption.
To Whom This Product Is Suitable For
ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
Take 1 or 2 capsules daily, or as recommended by a nutritionally-informed physician. Take with or without food.
General Overview on LypriCel Liposomal R-ALA
- A unique, high-performance dietary supplement;
- Liposomal delivery system;
- Maximum bioavailability;
- 226 mg R-Alpha Lipoic Acid;
- 1 000 mg essential phospholipids;
- Non-GMO;
- Sugar-free;
- Gluten-free;
- Hexane free.
What Are the Benefits of LypriCel Liposomal R-ALA
Among the body's most effective intracellular and extracellular antioxidant substances is R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, also called the universal antioxidant. This substance impacts almost all of the body's cells, even traveling across the barrier between the blood and the brain.
ALA in the "R" form is thought by many to be the most biologically active and available form in the human body. Every package of LypriCel R-ALA provides the highest possible quality product around.
Here are some of the LypriCel R-ALA Benefits:
- boosts and facilitates the production of cellular energy;
- assists in optimizing nerve health;
- keeps insulin sensitivity levels on track;
- aids in weight loss if used together with a low-cal dietary plan.
Liposomal Delivery System
Conventional types of supplements tend to fare poorly once they enter the digestive tract, often ending up flushed straight out of the body, offerring no tangible benefits. LypriCel utilizes liposomes created from essential types of phospholipids that safeguard the vital nutrients and keeps them from being destroyed.
The nutrient-packed liposomes we offer steer clear of typical barriers to absorption, making their way to the cells and the bloodstream in an effective form that is prepared to do their job.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with ALA
No, there aren’t. Research has shown that the adoption of Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements is safe in case of moderate consumption.
To Whom This Product Is Suitable For
ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement, take one packet 1 to 2 times per day or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
For best results, snip or tear the notched end off the packet, squeeze into one to three ounces of your favorite cool beverage, and consume in one swallow on an empty stomach. Wait at least 15 minutes before eating.
Super R-Lipoic Acid
by Life Extension
What Are the Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid Usage
- Life Extension Super R-Lipoic Acid is a dietary supplement. It is considered a metabolic antioxidant and it is very effective.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid acts against the free radicals in the fatty and water-based environments, such as the muscles and skin.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid can also support the activity of mitochondria and energy production in the body. Alpha-lipoic acid contributes to the good health and absorption of glucose. It neutralizes toxins and free radicals, thereby protecting our cells from damage.
- This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. It has been manufactured by licensed pharmaceutical facilities.
Is This Product Suitable for Athletes and Active People
ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glucose Absorption
ALA has the ability to assist with the absorption of glucose by the cells and thus it improves the carbohydrate metabolism.
This property has its benefits and pure healthy nature to people with impaired insulin sensitivity. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are also a very powerful antioxidant. It is believed that it slows aging because it neutralizes part of the damages caused by free radicals.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Take one (1) to two (2) capsules daily as tolerated, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Take capsules at the same time, preferably on an empty stomach.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
by Solgar
General Overview of Solgar Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Non-GMO;
- Soy-free;
- Dietary supplement.
Healthy Origins Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements are a powerful antioxidant that works synergistically with other antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Glutathione.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with ALA
No, there aren’t. Research has shown that the adoption of the ALA supplement is safe in case of moderate consumption.
To Whom This Product Is Suitable For
ALA is widely used both by athletes and people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Athletes use ALA because it helps them with their high carb diet.
How to Take Alpha Lipoic Acid
As a dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) vegetable capsule four times daily, preferably with meals or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is one of the most popular and all-purpose antioxidants, widely used in sports and health supplementation. ALA can be used as a powerful antioxidant against aging, Alpha Lipoic Acid assists in weight loss, it is often found in stacks for pre-workout supplementation.
ALA is one of the most popular “assistants” for muscle mass increasing, combined with a high carb meal. Besides all its positive properties, ALA has unknown side effects, namely its various forms that differ not only in price and bioactivity but also in biological properties and effects.
Forms of Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The product that we often buy at the store is indicated with a label of alpha-lipoic acid but without any specific clarification of the form of the acid. In fact, we purchase a mixture of (R) - and (S) - forms (the difference is in the spatial arrangement of the molecular structure).
Manufacturers prefer not to sell pure R-ALA because of the extremely high cost. That is why R-ALA is mixed evenly with s-ALA during the manufacturing process. The R-isomeric form is a natural and biologically active form of alpha-lipoic acid.
It is the only one that is synthesized in human and animal organisms. Its role is similar to one of the vitamins in metabolism. The synthetic forms are lacking this property. Many clinical tests have noted that due to its specific effect on the reactions in vivo, R-ALA is the proffered nutritional form by the body.
S-ALA was first synthesized chemically in 1952. Although not toxic and harmful, this form has two negative properties. S-ALA shows strong toxicity in rats suffering from a deficiency of vitamin B-1. It also inhibits the action of its r-isometric analog.
Many studies have concluded that both forms compete in their action, which leads to the conclusion that popular complex formulas on the market with 50% content of s-ALA and R-ALA are contraindicated.
Sources of R-ALA
Unlike synthetic-ALA s, R-ALA is a natural form and is contained in many foods. Its concentrations are highest in animal sources like kidneys, liver, and heart. R-ALA can be found in some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and yeast.
A disadvantage of the food sources of alpha-lipoic acid is that it is always linked covalently and it is hard to be assimilated. It is easily decomposed by proteolytic (protein) enzymes. Moreover, its amount in the food is relatively low.
How Does R-ALA Work
The natural alpha-lipoic acid has an r-shape, which is associated with proteins. This acid functions as a potent cofactor in several enzyme complexes in the mitochondria, which are involved in energy production and the degradation of alpha-amino acids and keto acids.
Taken as a dietary supplement, R-ALA avoids the metabolic reactions and rapidly increases the levels of alpha-lipoic acid in the plasma. R-ALA is a powerful antioxidant and is soluble in water and fat. Strong antioxidant properties are characteristic for both the oxidized and reduced forms.
R-ALA is directly involved in the recovery of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) of dehydroascorbic acid, and indirectly in the regeneration of another strong antioxidant, such as vitamin E.
It has also been found that alpha-lipoic acid increases the intracellular levels of the important antioxidants glutathione and coenzyme Q10. Another property of ALA is associated with its interaction with other minerals. It forms a stable complex with zinc, manganese, and copper.
R-ALA reacts also with extremely strong toxins such as arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. It clears the body from these toxins.
Proven and Potential Benefits
- Benefits for diabetic neuropathy treatment. Patients taking 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid have indicated a decrease in pain, paresthesia, and numbness.
- The potential for diabetes type 2 treatment and prevention. R-ALA enhances glucose transport. However, it has yet failed to show an effect on insulin sensitivity in people, but improves the production of energy (ATP) from glucose, lowers blood glucose levels and adjusts the oxidant damage, heart damage, and lipid peroxidation.
- Helps in the treatment of Pick’s disease: R-ALA (but not s-ALA) is able to stimulate deficient pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes in brain vascular (vascular) dementia, known as Pick's disease. Similar effects were not noted in Alzheimer's disease.
- It is assumed that ALA slows aging. Different tests on the effects of R-ALA on cultivated human retinal pigment epithelial cells have demonstrated a protective effect against oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction, caused by aging. Another study by the same authors has demonstrated a similar protective effect on the retinal cells from acrolein, which is a toxic substance in tobacco smoke.
- Potential benefits in Parkinson's disease prevention. This is due to the ability of R-ALA to increase the levels of the antioxidant glutathione in brain cells PC12, which regulateS the integrity and function of the mitochondria.
- Combined with L-Carnitine, ALA lowers blood pressure: There are several studies that track the combined effect of R-ALA with acetyl-L-carnitine on people. Potential benefits are related to the lowering of blood pressure and the regulation of the vascular function in people suffering from coronary heart disease.
- Both components can have a huge potential in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, because of their effect on acetylcholine, oxidative stress and the functioning of mitochondria in the brain.
- Other potential benefits are related to the prevention of Parkinson's disease, due to the positive effect on oxidative stress and cell functions of brain cells. Separate studies of R-ALA failed to demonstrate any impact on the blood.
- Multiple sclerosis - benefits: tests on people have demonstrated positive results in multiple sclerosis treatments. ALA may show potential benefits also in other chronic diseases of the central nervous system.
Side Effects
Taken in the recommended doses, R-ALA does not have serious side effects. Some individuals, irrespective of the dose, may feel effects, such as skin irritation, heavy sweating and a strange sweet smell, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties.
More side effects can be registered with an excess of the recommended doses. Such side effects are irritation in the stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence. High doses of R-ALA can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar. Intake of R-ALA with medicines that lower blood sugar is not recommended.
Taking alpha-lipoic acid from people on a high-fat-low-carb diet, Atkins diet (keto diet) or other low-carb diets, as well as hungry periods with periods of fasting, can lead to a drop in blood sugar.
The lack of research about potential side effects on pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and individuals with kidney and liver diseases should be noted. The intake of alpha-lipoic acid is best to be consulted with or appointed by a doctor.
How to Combine R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
R-ALA is a universal antioxidant that positively affects the levels of other strong antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. ALA interacts with the mineral zinc, which is also a potent antioxidant.
A positive effect could be seen together with other antioxidants, such as selenium, vitamin A, and ubiquinol. R-ALA acts as a potent synergist together with acetyl-L-carnitine.
Besides neutralizing free radicals released from the metabolic effects of acetyl-L-carnitine, the two substances together, rather than separately, show high potency in treating Parkinson’s disease and recovery of damaged functions in the brain mitochondria.
Almost all manufacturers add biotin (vitamin B-7) to R-ALA. The reason for this is the claim that regular intake of R-ALA suppresses dependent biotin carboxylase in the liver. The only evidence of this is a study of the effect of ALA in rats, as evidence of a similar effect on people, is missing.
Recommended Doses
There were no particular doses of R-ALA. Most studies on s-ALA and R-ALA include doses in a wide range. The safe and effective doses for s-ALA are from 600 to 1800 mg daily.
Given the higher potency, the presumed effective and non-toxic doses of R-ALA range from 200 to 900 mg daily. Different manufacturers recommend intake of 100-200 mg with meals, 2-3 times daily.
Within these doses, strong side effects that lead to intoxication are impossible to be seen. On the other hand, these doses have been established as effective in clinical studies. The recommended intake of R-ALA is short before meals or with food, preferably carbohydrate foods.
R-ALA can be taken on an empty stomach and if the goal is pre-workout boosting, antioxidant effect or glucose clearance from the blood. People are advised to be careful with the intake on an empty stomach because it can cause hypoglycemia at high doses or sensitivity in some individuals.
Where Can We Find R-ALA
R-ALA is an extremely expensive ingredient, so complex formulas that contain it are very few. These most often are sports formulas that use selected ingredients, aiming for pre-workout boosting or increasing muscle mass.
As we already mentioned, R-ALA is contained in every product that a content indication of as alpha-lipoic acid, as R-ALA is 50% of the content and the remaining 50% are s-ALA.
Because of the not appropriate combination of the two forms, it is assumed that these products would have significantly lower bioactivity. Some "elite" manufacturers offer R-ALA as their dosages vary between 100 and 200 mg of alpha-lipoic acid in a capsule.
The good news for the consumers is that products marked with 100% content of R-ALA are always 100 % R-ALA. Their only drawback is the high cost.
