9 best r lipoic acids

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also known as r-lipoic acid, is a naturally occurring compound that serves as a powerful antioxidant in the body. It plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is often used as a dietary supplement. Here's what you need to know about r-lipoic acid:

  1. Antioxidant Properties: R-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It can neutralize a wide range of free radicals, making it beneficial for overall health.

  2. Natural Occurrence: ALA is found in small amounts in certain foods, such as spinach, broccoli, and organ meats like liver.However, the amounts obtained from food sources are often insufficient for therapeutic purposes, leading to the use of ALA supplements.

  3. Solubility: R-lipoic acid is unique in that it is both water-soluble and fat-soluble. This dual solubility allows it to work in different parts of the body, including inside and outside cells.

  4. Energy Production: ALA plays a role in energy production within cells. It helps convert glucose into energy and is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Some people take ALA supplements to support their energy levels.

  5. Neurological Health: R-lipoic acid has shown promise in supporting neurological health. It may have neuroprotective properties and is being studied for its potential benefits in conditions like neuropathy and Alzheimer's disease.

  6. Diabetes Management: Some research suggests that ALA may help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It can also help reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.

  7. Skin Health: ALA is sometimes used topically in skincare products for its potential anti-aging effects. It may help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and promote a youthful appearance.

  8. Eye Health: There is some evidence to suggest that ALA may support eye health by protecting against oxidative damage. It is being investigated for its potential role in conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

  9. Dosage and Safety: R-lipoic acid supplements are available in various forms, including capsules and tablets. Dosage recommendations can vary depending on the intended use and individual factors. It is generally considered safe when used as directed, but potential side effects can include digestive upset.

  10. Interactions: ALA supplements may interact with certain medications and affect nutrient absorption. If you are taking medications or have specific health concerns, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting ALA supplementation.

In summary, r-lipoic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) is a versatile antioxidant with potential health benefits. It is known for its role in neutralizing free radicals, supporting energy production, and promoting overall well-being. As with any dietary supplement, it is important to use ALA under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use for your individual needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best r lipoic acids on the market
  

Doctor's Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels, 100 mg 60 Veggie Caps (DRB-00123)

Doctor's Best

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Doctor’s Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels, 100 mg 60 Veggie Caps

  • DOCTOR’S BEST STABILIZED R-LIPOIC ACID CONTAINS BIOENHANCED NA-RALA - the sodium salt of R-Lipoic acid (RLA). BioEnhanced Na-RALA is in its natural and stabilized form of RLA that won’t degrade at high temperatures, and is more bioavailable and biologically active. Lipoic acid (LA) plays an important role in glucose metabolism and energy production. LA is both fat and water soluble. D-Biotin is an integral part of enzyme activity necessary for the breakdown and conversion of fatty acids and carbohydrates into energy.
  • POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT – Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function, helps protect against oxidative stress and maintains cellular energy. Supports nerve health, glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health.
  • CELLULAR ENERGY - R-lipoic acid is made by the body in our mitochondria, the cells that provide energy. Protecting mitochondria from free radicals, R-Lipoic Acid supports energy at the cellular level.
  • BETTER ABSORPTION - R-Lipoic Acids includes the active “R” form of lipoic acid, stable and easier for the body to absorb. Improved stability from this formula is the cause for better absorption and bioavailability.
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.

User questions & answers

Question: Has this product been tested for purity, and is it made in the United States
Answer: ConsumerLab.com has tested 8 or 10 Doctor's Best products, but not the Doctor's Best Alpha Lipoic Acid nor its R-Lipoic Acid. On the other hand, Consumer Lab has a comparative report on about 17 different brands of Alpha Lipoic Acid, apparently (no guarantee on this) with some side notes on R-Lipoic Acid advantages or disadvantages. I don't have the report, so can't be sure of the contents.On manufacturing location, I'd suggest contacting the home office of Doctor's Best, San Clemente California 92673. (800)777-2474 WWW.DRBVITAMINS.COM. Part of the label says Bioenhanced Na-RA is a registered trademark of GenoNova Research, Inc., and the front label mentions as a selling feature "Featuring bioenhanced Na-RALA." For further information, you should contact the company sources.And personally, I'm choosy about supplements, and Doctor's Best is one of the three supplement companies I find personally to deliver consistent products at a reasonable price.
Question: Is this good for neuropthy
Answer: Yes. Works for me.Alpha Lipoic Acid contains 2 forms: R Lipoic acid &S Lipoic acid. R is the part that is bioactive - the part that actually does something. So 100 mg of R-LA is equivalent to 200 mg of A-LA.
Question: Is this the same as NA-RALA? There are other bottles on Amazon that are primarily labeled NA-RALA. This bottle says "featuring" as if it's not
Answer: In regards to "sodium intake", the following is copy & paste from the "About This Item" section: "Note regarding sodium: The RLA in this product is stabilized with Na (sodium). However, one serving of this product contains less than 1% of the Daily Value for sodium, an insignificant contribution to dietary sources. Research suggests that sodium may impact blood pressure in some individuals only when it is consumed as sodium chloride (NaCl, table salt) and not in other forms. The sodium in this product is unlikely to affect blood pressure levels."
Question: If 50% of regular ALA is useless then wouldn't a 600mg pill of regular ALA still have 300mg of effective ALA vs the 100mg is this version
Answer: When you have s-LA competing to the binding site of an enzyme that you want r-LA binding to for the actual benefits, you have unwanted competition. Because this is Amazon.com, let's not try to talk about chemical kinetics and binding affinity, and just say that "yes you will have competition between r-LA and s-LA" so assuming it's like equal binding affinity for each (that is a BIG assumption) if you go buy the ALA 600 mg dose: 300 mg of R-LA is there to be broken down but you have "equal" competition so it may be more like 150 mg of R-LA that is actually taken up because some of the S-LA bound to the enzymes. Again, assuming "equal" competition is a big assumption, could be better or worse. You should probably purchase R-LA.

Product features

What are the benefits from Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid ?

  • Helps promote the body's antioxidant defenses.*
  • Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.*

Why take Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid?

  • Helps the body’s defense against free radicals*
  • Recovers antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E*
  • Aging is accompanied by a decreased ability of the liver to recycle ascorbic acid following oxidative stress.*

How does it work?

  • Lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body*
  • Lipoic acid is a key factor in the cellular process that metabolizes glucose for energy production.*
  • Supports healthy aging - as we age, our ability to produce lipoic acid decreases*

Doctor’s Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels, 100 mg 180 Veggie Caps

Doctor's Best

Based on 341 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Supports the body’s defense against free radicals. Recycles antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. An ideal antioxidant would have the ability to quench a wide variety of free radicals, to support the functioning of other antioxidants, to bind or “chelate” metal ions that can generate free radicals, to function in watery and fatty environments, and to be present in tissues, cells, and extracellular spaces. Having exceeded these criteria, Lipoic Acid was termed the “universal antioxidant.” As a team, LA and DHLA come close to the ideal, for the following reasons: 1) LA is easily absorbed when consumed orally. 2) LA is readily converted to DHLA in various tissues. 3) As a pair, LA and DHLA neutralize superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl, and hypochlorus radicals. 4) LA and DHLA form stable complexes with metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper and zinc ions. 5) LA and DHLA scavenge free radicals in both fatty and watery environments. 6) DHLA recycles other important antioxidants.

  • Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring vitamin-like nutrient that has been intensely investigated as a beneficial agent for a variety of bodily functions involving the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and detoxification system.
  • It is produced in small amounts in the liver and other body tissues, where it is needed by enzymes to catalyze numerous essential chemical reactions in the body.
  • ALA is essential inside the mitochondria of cells, where it is needed to metabolize glucose and direct calories into energy production
  • ALA is considered to be a multimodal supplement because, aside from its enzymatic role in energy production, it acts by multiple mechanisms and displays diverse health-enhancing and antioxidant properties
  • Vegetarian
  • Label images may vary
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this product gluten free
Answer: In the product description at the very end it says: Vegan, non-GMO, gluten free
Question: Where is this product made
Answer: This product ias manufactured for Doctor s Best, Inc, California: AS IT IS WRITTEN ON THE BOTTLE.
Question: What is the expiration date on this product
Answer: april 2016fyi: expiration dates are not required & are ( with most supplements ) a ploy to sell more product.we have this item in stock ready for prompt shipment.thanks
Question: Why has the price nearly doubled all of a sudden
Answer: My price never change. Probably it was on sale by other sellers

Product features

What are the benefits of Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid?

  • Helps promote the body's antioxidant defenses.*
  • Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.*

Why take Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid?

  • Helps the body’s defense against free radicals.
  • Recovers antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
  • Aging is accompanied by a decreased ability of the liver to recycle ascorbic acid following oxidative stress.

How does it work?

  • Lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body.
  • Lipoic acid is a key factor in the cellular process that metabolizes glucose for energy production.
  • Supports healthy aging - as we age, our ability to produce lipoic acid decreases.

Jarrow Formulas R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, Superior Bioavailability*, 100 mg, 60 Caps

Jarrow Formulas

Based on 490 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Superior Bioavailability and Activity*
  • No wheat, no gluten, no soybeans, no dairy, no egg, no fish/shellfish, no peanuts/tree nuts
  • Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.

User questions & answers

Question: It's either r-lipoic acid or alpha lipoic acid... which is it
Answer: The Lipoic acid you get at health stores and other brands have 50% R and 50% S Lipoic which they call Lipoic acid. S Lipoic acid does nothing for your body. It is a by product.. you want 100% R Lipoic which is the jarrow formula . Great product and you are not paying for S lipoic by product in the manufacture of other brands. There is plenty of literature on this subject.
Question: Does this just contain r-ala? I dont want s-ala
Answer: Articles I have read say that Alpha Lipoic Acid is 50% "S" and 50% "R". The R is the natural bodies version that you want. The S is the synthetic version.
Question: Is this supplement verified by any independent tesing labs? Many supplements are frauds, so verification is crucial. Thanks
Answer: Yes, go to the Consumerlab dot com website. They independently test supplements. BTW, the Jarrow one is one of the approved R-ALA's.
Question: For those of you who have used this for nerve pain, how long did it take to notice some improvement
Answer: I noticed improvement in pain within a week, but I had been taking B vitamins a while before that to help, but with the r lipoic acid that really kick started the improvement

Doctor's Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid, 200mg/60 Count

Doctor's Best

Based on 81 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Supports the body’s defense against free radicals. Recycles antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E. An ideal antioxidant would have the ability to quench a wide variety of free radicals, to support the functioning of other antioxidants, to bind or “chelate” metal ions that can generate free radicals, to function in watery and fatty environments, and to be present in tissues, cells, and extracellular spaces. Having exceeded these criteria, Lipoic Acid was termed the universal antioxidant.

  • Vitamin-like nutrient that has been intensely investigated
  • R-Lipoic Acid is the active natural form.
  • Recycles antioxidant nutrients
  • Vegetarian
  • Label images may vary
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.

Product features

What are the benefits from Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid?

- Helps promote the body's antioxidant defenses.*

- Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.*

Why take Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid?

- Helps the body’s defense against free radicals*

- Recovers antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E*

- Aging is accompanied by a decreased ability of the liver to recycle ascorbic acid following oxidative stress.*

How does it work?

- Lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body*

- Lipoic acid is a key factor in the cellular process that metabolizes glucose for energy production.*

- Supports healthy aging - as we age, our ability to produce lipoic acid decreases*

Genceutic Naturals R-Lipoic Acid Dietary Supplement Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free Non GMO Ideal for Glucose Insulin Blood Level Maintain - 300mg (60 Capsules)

Genceutic Naturals

Based on 97 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lipoic acid, also known as Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), is one of the most thoroughly researched and highly regarded natural substances that is found in the cell. It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, where energy is produced through activation of ATP. Lipoic Acid is both water and fat soluble and can regenerate antioxidants inside of the cell, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione, which prevents oxidative damage. R-Lipoic Acid is the only form of Lipoic Acid that occurs naturally in plants, animals, and the body, and is responsible for the beneficial effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid.



Alpha lipoic acid (aka ALA, lipoate or thioctic acid) is utilized as an antioxidant and co-factor in glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial process in most of the body's pathways to breakdown glucose into useful forms of energy. Though critical to life, ALA is not a vitamin because it can be synthesized from essential fatty acids and the amino acid L-cysteine. However, no food is rich enough to serve as a good source.



Alpha-lipoic acid seems to help prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body, and also restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C. Alpha-lipoic acid can improve several body functions.



Product Benefits:

Supports energy production.

Antioxidant protection against free radicals and oxidative damage.

Supports healthy insulin levels when within normal range.

Helps maintain glucose levels already in the normal range.

Promotes normal healthy blood flow.

Supports healthy nerve function.



Package Included:

60 x Capsules of R-Lipoic acid (300mg)

  • Premium quality: free of synthetic s-lipoid acid found in regular alpha lipoid acid. suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. premium ingredients ensure that we are able to guarantee you the highest bioavailability to ensure maximum absorption. do not contain lactose, gluten, colorants or stabilizers.
  • Exceptional features: advanced bio-identical active form of lipoid acid. guaranteed 300mg of stabilized na-rala. r-lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that occurs naturally in plants, animals, and the body, and is responsible for the beneficial effects of alpha-lipoic acid.
  • Perfect choice: supplies 300mg next generation na-r-alpha-lipoic acid. r-lipoic acid is manufactured using only the finest quality raw materials in their highest grade and purest form so that we can guarantee you receive a consistently high-quality product. powerful antioxidant helps maintain healthy blood sugar level when used as part of the diet supports healthy ageing.
  • Ultimate usage: dual action water and fat soluble antioxidant activity. supports energy production. supports healthy nervous system function and maintenance of normal blood sugar levels and also supports normal body function. one of the main causes of symptoms we know as ageing is the damage of free radicals.
  • 100% customer satisfaction: we want you to love our precious r-lipoic acid capsules as much as we do. if you are not happy with our products for any reason, please return your products for a new replacement or a full refund.

User questions & answers

Question: Shows: about the product afbitterswithginger afblackwalnut&wormwoodcomplex afbladdex - are these ingredients in the product or is this an error
Answer: My bottle label does not state this.
Question: so, does it contain magnesium stearates or not? I see two different responses. Thank you
Answer: The ingredients list on the product box does show vegetable magnesium stearate as the last ingredient.
Question: Is it gluten free
Answer: Ingredients listed----Sodium (from Na-RALA) 35 mg, Bio-Enhanced Stabilized Na-RALA (as Sodium R-Lipoate supplying 240 mg of R-Lipoic Acid). Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose (capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stereate. There is no mention of Gluten Free or otherwise. Does this help?
Question: Is there any vegetable magnesium stearates in this product? It does not state that any stearates are included in the product
Answer: It's says there is vegetable magnesium stearate right on the label. No idea why ADV would say otherwise.

Source Naturals R-Lipoic Acid 100mg, 120 Tablets

Source Naturals

Based on 77 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Is a natural form of lipoic acid that your body can synthesize and safely metabolize;May be better absorbed and more effective as an antioxidant than alpha-lipoic acid;Can increase and maintain levels of other antioxidants

  • Is a natural form of lipoic acid that your body can synthesize and safely metabolize
  • May be better absorbed and more effective as an antioxidant than alpha-lipoic acid
  • Can increase and maintain levels of other antioxidants

User questions & answers

Question: does this come in capsule form
Answer: No. Tablet.
Question: Is it time release
Answer: No where on the packaging does it say that it is. Source Naturals does have an Alpha Lipoic Acid in a time release form, but suggests that their R-Lipoic Acid is better absorbed.
Question: Does this formulation include Biotin? At what does
Answer: To answer your question does Alpha Limpoc or Alpha Limpoc R contain Biotin, no it does not. But you can buy Alpha Lompoc with Biotin in it. I use it to lower my blood sugar as I am a border line diabetic. I also buy Biotin as it also helps keep my blood sugar in check. Biotin also helps keep skin & hair healthy. Hope this answers your question.
Question: Is this r-alpha lipoic acid (ALA
Answer: Source Naturals R-Lipoic Acid is a natural form of lipoic acid that your body can synthesize and safely metabolize. It may be better absorbed and more effective as an antioxidant than alpha-lipoic acid. R-lipoic acid by itself may be 10 times more effective than other forms of lipoic acid and has been called the "mitochondrial antioxidant" because it is a key component of mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes, which may help to slow the natural aging process in animals. Also, animal research has shown that R-lipoic acid can increase or maintain levels of other antioxidants including CoQ10, vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione, which may decline with age, more efficiently than other forms of lipoic acid.
Question: How big are these pills and are they coated
Answer: It is a small coated capsule.
Question: isn't this the natural but unstable form, and how was this made stable
Answer: stabilize RALA through complex formation with cyclodextrins (CDs). α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD used for the formation of these RALA-CD complexes.
Question: What is your stabilization process
Answer: I take this b/c my doctor told me to. Havea had no problems
Question: can you open capsule and add to morning coffee
Answer: Yes, you could do that. I actually have problems swallowing pills, but I don't have any problems swallowing these.

Kal 100 Mg R-lipoic Acid Activoxidant Tablets, 60 Count

Chiropractors Buying Group

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kal Antioxidant R-Lipoid Acid is the natural R-form of the antioxidant alpha lipoid acid. Kal R-lipoid acid is bonded to sodium for optimal stability and bioavailability. R-lipoid acid has been studied for its reputed antioxidant role.

  • Reputed for its antioxidant properties
  • Is the natural R-form of the antioxidant Alpha Lipoid Acid
  • Has been bonded with sodium for optimal stability and bioavailability
  • Other ingredients include - Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate and Silica
  • Vegetarian
  • During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, when provided.

Doctor's Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA, 200 mg, 60 Veggie Caps

Doctor's Best

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Science-Based Nutrition Dietary Supplement Vegan Non-GMO / Gluten Free / Soy Free Helps Support Glucose Metabolism and Energy Production Doctor's Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid contains BioEnhanced Na-RALA, the sodium salt of R-Lipoic acid (RLA). BioEnhanced Na-RALA is in its natural and stabilized form of RLA that won't degrade at high temperatures, and is more bio-available and biologically active. Lipoic acid (LA) plays an important role in glucose metabolism and energy production. LA is both fat and water soluble. Studies suggests that LA may support the body's antioxidant defenses. D-Biotin is an integral part of enzyme activity necessary for the breakdown and conversion of fatty acids and carbohydrates into energy. Helps support glucose metabolism and energy production Helps support the body's antioxidant defenses D-Biotin helps metabolize fatty acids and carbohydrates

  • Science-Based Nutrition

Source Naturals R-Lipoic Acid 50mg, 60 Tablets

Source Naturals

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dietary Supplement. Source Naturals R-Lipoic Acid is a natural form of lipoic acid that your body can synthesize and safely metabolize. It may be better absorbed and more effective as an antioxidant than alpha - lipoic acid. R-Lipoic Acid by itself may be

  • Natural form of lipoic acid
  • Better absorbed and more effective as an antioxidant than alpha-lipoic acid
  • Called the "mitochondrial antioxidant" because it is a key component of mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes
  • May help slow the natural aging process
  • Increases levels of other antioxidants including CoQ10, vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione

User questions & answers

Question: Does this contain the R version of Alpha Lipoic Acid? Never heard of just R-Lipoic Acid
Answer: There is R-Lipoic Acid, S-Lipoic Acid, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (which is a 50/50 combo of R & S). The purely "R" version is more bioactive and, therefore, more potent in smaller doses. Here is a great link for further explanation: http://www.ehow.com/about_5534683_lipoic-vs-alpha-lipoic-acid.html
Question: Does this really work
Answer: Absolutely works! Strong anti-oxidant. Cleared up a skin condition in a week. I couldn't believe it! Works best when taken with 500 mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine, a dynamic duo, a combination I take together, every day. The R-Lipoic Acid dose, taken together with the Acetyl L Carnitine, is 100 mg. R-Lipoic Acid is said to be a natural product that is found within and produced by your body. Presence in your body is said to diminish as we get older. The Alpha Lipoic Acid version is said to be synthetic. I always go with natural.

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