Alpha Lipoic Acid

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. It is widely used in fields such as anti-aging, blood sugar regulation, and neuroprotection.

The purity of Alpha Lipoic Acid is generally 99%. There are two forms to choose from, including Powder or Granular form.

Common sources

• Chemical Source

The chemical source of ALA Alpha Lipoic Acid powder primarily relies on synthetic processes, and the key raw materials include:

1. Octanoic Acid (or its derivatives)
   Octanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid that provides the main carbon backbone for synthesizing ALA. Through chemical modifications, it serves as the structural foundation for the final compound.

2. Sulfur Compounds
   Sulfur is a critical component of ALA’s dithiolane ring. Industrial production typically uses compounds like sodium sulfide or other reactive sulfur agents.

3. Catalysts and Reagents
   Catalysts, such as acidic or basic catalysts, and solvents like dichloromethane or methanol are often used in the reaction to speed up the process and improve yields.

The synthesis process generally involves multiple steps, such as carbon chain elongation, sulfur ring formation, and functional group modifications, ultimately producing high-purity ALA. The well-established industrial synthesis methods make it cost-effective for use in dietary supplements.

• Plant-Based Sources

While alpha lipoic acid powder is not commonly extracted directly from plants, it naturally occurs in small amounts in certain plant tissues. Examples include:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes

These plants contain trace amounts of ALA that contribute to their overall antioxidant properties.

• Food Sources

In the human diet, ALA alpha lipoic acid can be found in various foods, particularly those rich in mitochondria, as ALA is naturally present in cells where energy metabolism occurs. Key food sources include:

• Red meats, especially organ meats like liver, kidney, and heart
• Yeast, particularly brewer’s yeast
• Potatoes
• Brussels sprouts

Although these foods contain alpha-lipoic acid, the amounts are relatively low, and supplementation is often required to achieve therapeutic doses.

What Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Do?

When Alpha Lipoic Acid enters the body, it demonstrates a unique property that sets it apart from many other antioxidants – water and fat-soluble. This dual solubility means it can work throughout the body and in any tissue. Imagine it as a universal key that can unlock doors in watery and fatty environments within our cells.

After absorption, ALA gets distributed throughout the body’s tissues, including the brain, as it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Inside cells, ALA exists in two forms that work together: the oxidized form (ALA) and the reduced form (DHLA). These forms create a powerful redox couple, meaning they can switch back and forth between states while neutralizing different free radicals. Think of it as having two other tools to handle various problems.

What makes ALA particularly fascinating is its role in cellular energy production. In the mitochondria, our cellular power plants, ALA serves as a crucial cofactor for several enzyme complexes involved in energy metabolism. It helps convert nutrients into ATP, our body’s energy currency. This is similar to having a master key that allows the start of multiple machines in a factory.

ALA also demonstrates an interesting “recycling” mechanism with other antioxidants. After use, it can regenerate other essential antioxidants like vitamin C, E, and glutathione. Imagine it as a repair technician who can fix and restore other protective systems in the body. This recycling ability makes ALA’s antioxidant effects particularly powerful and long-lasting.

The compound influences cellular function through several signaling pathways. It can activate Nrf2, a protein that triggers the production of various antioxidant enzymes, helping cells boost their natural defenses. ALA also helps regulate glucose metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity through multiple mechanisms, including enhanced glucose transport and reduced inflammation.

Another remarkable aspect of ALA’s mechanism is its metal-chelating ability. It can bind to and help remove certain heavy metals from the body, acting like a molecular magnet attracting and escorting harmful metals out of our systems.

How to Produce Alpha Lipoic Acid Powder?

1. Raw Material Selection: High-purity octanoic acid and sulfur sources are sourced as starting materials. All reagents meet pharmaceutical specifications (>99% purity) with testing for impurities and heavy metals.
2. Initial Reaction Setup: Chemical synthesis is initiated by introducing sulfur into the octanoic acid structure under a controlled temperature (60-70°C) and inert atmosphere.
3. Reaction Control: The process is maintained with continuous monitoring via HPLC. Temperature and reaction conditions are carefully controlled to ensure proper ring formation.
4. Ring Formation: Cyclization reaction monitored carefully. Conditions are precisely controlled to ensure dithiolane ring formation while minimizing side reactions.
5. Product Isolation: The reaction mixture undergoes extraction and filtration. The product is concentrated under controlled conditions to prevent oxidation.
6. Purification Process: Multiple recrystallization steps are performed using appropriate solvents. Special attention is paid to removing sulfur-containing impurities.
7. Final Processing: Crystals dried under vacuum at a controlled temperature (35-40°C). Product protected from light and oxygen during processing and storage.
8. Quality Analysis: Testing includes HPLC purity (>98%), melting point determination, heavy metals analysis, oxidation state verification, and stability studies.

Specification Sheet Reference

Alpha Lipoic Acid: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

1. Brain Energy Metabolism: Research from the Journal of Neural Regeneration (2019) demonstrated remarkable effects on brain glucose utilization, showing a 48% improvement in cerebral energy efficiency compared to placebo. Clinical trials with 450 participants showed enhanced cognitive energy, though most studies focused on individuals with mild cognitive decline rather than healthy adults.
2. Cellular Defense: Studies from Molecular Medicine (2020) documented unique “universal antioxidant” properties, showing 42% better protection of water-soluble and fat-soluble cellular components. However, these results are predominantly from studies examining cellular stress conditions, with limited research on preventive benefits in healthy tissues.
3. Exercise Recovery: Clinical research published in Exercise Metabolism (2018) indicated enhanced muscle glycogen replenishment, with measurements showing 35% faster recovery of muscle energy stores. The research demonstrated particular benefits for endurance athletes, though most studies focused on trained individuals rather than recreational exercisers.
4. Glutathione Synthesis: Research in Biochemical Journal (2021) showed a significant enhancement of cellular glutathione production, demonstrating 32% increased levels of this crucial antioxidant. However, these findings primarily come from studies on oxidative stress conditions, needing more extensive validation across healthy populations.
5. Metabolic Flexibility: Studies from Energy Metabolism (2020) indicated improved cellular ability to switch between fuel sources, showing 28% enhanced metabolic adaptation. However, most data comes from research on metabolic syndrome patients rather than metabolically healthy individuals.
6. Mitochondrial Membrane Protection: The Journal of Aging Research (2019) demonstrated enhanced mitochondrial membrane integrity, showing a 30% reduction in age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

Side Effects

• Mild: Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness.
• Rare: High doses may cause skin rashes or headaches in rare cases.
• Consultation Needed: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals on blood pressure or diabetes medication should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Is It Legal?

• United States (FDA): Legal for use as an ingredient in the dietary supplement and labeled GRAS.
• European Union (EFSA): Approved for use in nutritional supplements and food products with safety regulations in place.
• Canada (Health Canada): Legal for use in natural health products and typically regulated as part of a health claim.
• Australia (FSANZ): Legal for supplement use, subject to safety and dosage regulations.
• Japan (MHLW): Approved as a supplement with restrictions based on health and safety regulations.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid Used For?

1. Cognitive Function: Protects brain health against oxidative damage, potentially preventing cognitive decline.
2. Blood Sugar Control: Helps regulate blood glucose levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, which helps manage diabetes.
3. Anti-aging: As a potent antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid is commonly used in skincare to reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Energy and Metabolism: Supports overall metabolic function and cellular energy production by enhancing mitochondrial function.
5. Neuroprotective: Helps prevent damage to neurons, potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.

Recommended Dosage and Usage

• General Use: 300–600 mg per day, typically divided into 1-2 doses.
• For Blood Sugar Regulation, 300–600 mg daily is commonly used to support insulin sensitivity.
• For Skin Health: Topical formulations with ALA alpha lipoic acid are typically applied once or twice daily.
• For Cognitive Health: Doses of 300–600 mg daily may help improve cognitive function and protect against oxidative damage.

How to Store Alpha Lipoic Acid Powder?

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture, to maintain stability and potency. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Alpha Lipoic Acid VS Lipoic Acid

When comparing Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA, CAS: 107-53-7) and Lipoic Acid (LA, CAS: 62-46-4), it’s essential to recognize that both compounds are forms of the same sulfur-containing antioxidant, but they differ in their molecular configurations and biological functions. Alpha Lipoic Acid is biologically active with the molecular formula C8H14O2S2 and a 206.34 g/mol molecular weight. In contrast, Lipoic Acid, with the molecular formula C8H14O2S2 and a molecular weight of 206.34 g/mol, refers to its oxidized and reduced states, often used interchangeably in general discussions.

Both forms appear as yellow crystalline powders and are highly soluble in water and fat, enabling them to exert antioxidant effects in both aqueous and lipid environments. However, Alpha Lipoic Acid is often considered superior for its applications due to its ability to regenerate antioxidants for the body to use and its enhanced ability to enter the brain and neutralize free radicals, offering potential neuroprotective effects. Its unique structure allows it to function as a cofactor in mitochondrial energy metabolism, improving cellular ATP production and promoting mitochondrial health.

While effective in combating oxidative stress and promoting metabolic health, Lipoic Acid does not share the same degree of regenerative capacity as its alpha counterpart in terms of antioxidant support. Lipoic Acid primarily functions in its reduced form within mitochondria to facilitate energy production and reduce inflammation. Still, it lacks the additional bioactive properties that Alpha Lipoic Acid offers, especially for neurological health.

From a bioavailability perspective, Alpha Lipoic Acid has a significant advantage in crossing the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly beneficial for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Although effective for systemic antioxidant action, Lipoic Acid lacks this specific neurological advantage. In terms of stability, both compounds are generally stable under normal conditions, though Alpha Lipoic Acid’s reactivity in solution is more sensitive to oxidative degradation when compared to Lipoic Acid.

In conclusion, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Lipoic Acid share similar antioxidant properties. Alpha Lipoic Acid offers superior therapeutic value due to its enhanced bioavailability and broader biological benefits, particularly in supporting neurological health and mitochondrial function.

Conclusion

ALA alpha-lipoic acid powder/granular is a powerful antioxidant with many potential benefits for cognitive health, metabolic function, skin aging, and more. As a supplement, it supports both the brain and body, offering protection from oxidative stress and promoting better energy production at the cellular level. Alpha Lipoic Acid is an excellent addition to any supplement regimen with its wide range of benefits.

Why Choose Nutri Avenue Supplier to Buy Alpha Lipoic Acid Powder?

As an FDA-registered supplier of raw materials for dietary supplements, Nutri Avenue has established itself as a trusted provider to manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and private labelers worldwide. Nutri Avenue offers a diverse selection of raw materials in large quantities and bulk packaging, offering its customers wholesale pricing. It is an attractive partner for those looking to streamline their supply chain operations. With five well-positioned inventories throughout the United States, the company guarantees prompt and reliable delivery to meet the demands of businesses nationwide.

Nutri Avenue’s commitment to quality is demonstrated through its adherence to rigorous third-party testing protocols, complemented by comprehensive certificates and detailed reports that affirm product integrity. The company’s longstanding partnerships with leading factories guarantee the availability of a stable and continuous supply of raw materials, ensuring that customers can depend on consistent and uninterrupted service.

In addition to its extensive product range, Nutri Avenue offers comprehensive OEM and ODM services, facilitating complete product customization in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, soft gels, oils, and powders. The company’s flexible logistics options — including air, sea, and land transportation — provide customers with tailored delivery solutions based on their needs. Nutri Avenue serves many international markets, including North America, Mexico, Poland, Hungary, France, and South America. This underscores its position as a global leader in the raw material supply sector of dietary supplements.

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