What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha lipoic acid, also known as lipoic acid, refers specifically to the naturally occurring form. Reed first isolated it from pig liver in 1951. It is a water-soluble and fat-soluble metabolic antioxidant and a vitamin-like substance. It is often thought of as a B vitamin. It is an important coenzyme in living organisms. It is an important cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and aminocaproate dehydrogenase. It is also one of the indispensable substances in the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Dr. Lester Parker, professor of molecular cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s leading antioxidant researchers. He calls Alpha Lipoic Acid a “super antioxidant.” It is the “most versatile and most active” antioxidant of all antioxidants.
The purity of Alpha Lipoic Acid is generally 99%. There are two forms to choose from, including Powder or Granular form.
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid: Another Type of Alpha Lipoic Acid
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) is also known as R-(+)-alpha-Lipoic acid; R-Alpha Lipoic Acid; (R)-(+)-1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid. Its CAS number is 1200-22-2. The molecular formula is C8H14O2S2, and the molecular weight is 206.33 g/mol.
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid powder is resistant to heat. When purchasing this product during the summer, it should be shipped with ice. At the same time, it is also necessary to choose the fastest transportation method to ensure the quality of the powder. Therefore, relatively speaking, its cost will increase. Under normal circumstances, R-Alpha Lipoic Acid powder is generally stored at 20 degrees. It is best not to exceed 20 degrees. At higher temperatures, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid VS Alpha Lipoic Acid
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid powder has a lower melting point. It is more sensitive to temperature.
The two have different levels of absorption. Research shows that the human body can better absorb R-Alpha Lipoic Acid. But this type is unstable. Caking may occur after 2 to 3 months of storage in the warehouse.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits & Side Effects
1. Antioxidant
It is one of the most effective natural antioxidants known. The antioxidant capacity of lipoic acid is 400 times that of Vitamin E, 60 times that of Vitamin E, and ten times that of lycopene. It is also higher than grape seed extract, anthocyanins, etc.
It scavenges free radicals and regenerates endogenous antioxidants such as VC, VE, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and lipoic acid itself. In addition, it can also chelate metal ions, such as iron, copper, mercury, cadmium, etc. It inhibits free radical reactions catalyzed by metal ions and reduces tissue damage.
2. Bone health
It protects bone cells and osteoblasts and inhibits osteoclast production and activity. At the same time, it increases bone density and improves bone quality. The anti-osteoporosis effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid is related to inhibiting oxidative stress, interfering with NF-kB activation, down-regulating RANKL, and activating the Wnt signaling pathway.
3. Good for diabetes
This ingredient regulates sugar metabolism. It reduces various inflammatory factors, relieves oxidative stress, improves serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and effectively prevents renal failure.
Hyperglycemia leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE), which can induce the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species. Lipoic acid can scavenge reactive oxygen free radicals, weaken oxidative stress, and protect pancreatic beta cells from being damaged by oxygen free radicals.
4. Other functions
Studies have found that this ingredient can reduce inflammatory markers, plasma total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels in patients with metabolic syndrome and reduce the risk of atherosclerotic lesions.
In addition, it can repair cellular oxidative damage and regulate nuclear factor NF-κB. In turn, it affects gene expression and reduces radiation damage and neurodegeneration.
It also has certain effects in the prevention or treatment of male reproductive health problems, such as idiopathic asthenozoospermia, diabetes combined with erectile dysfunction and infertility, treatment of severe infections of the reproductive system, prevention of ionizing radiation, environmental toxicants, and testicular ischemia. Various reasons, such as reperfusion and strenuous exercise, cause damage to the reproductive system.
Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Cause Hair Loss?
For the time being, there is no evidence that ALA causes hair loss. In fact, the ingredient is an antioxidant. Its potential benefits to overall health and cellular function may benefit hair health.
Buy Bulk Alpha Lipoic Acid From Nutri Avenue In The USA
As an experienced supplier of supplement ingredients, we stock a variety of popular ingredients in our USA warehouse year-round. Naturally, we offer bulk ALA in powder and granule form. R-ALA, the best absorbable form, is also available. Interested brand owners and OEM manufacturers can contact us for the best ingredients.
FAQs
The ingredient R-ALA has a characteristic: it is very afraid of heat. R-Alpha Lipoic Acid is generally stored at 20°C.
Transport this ingredient in summer need to store it on ice.
At present, the synthesis process is the main one.
