Product Review

What is r-lipid acid? Lipoid acid is one of the most thoroughly researched and highly regarded antioxidants. It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, and in the mitochondrial citric acid cycle which produces ATP, the energy currency of the body. Lipoid acid is both water and fat soluble and can regenerate endogenous antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin c, and glutathione, and prevent oxidative damage. In fact, it can scavenge free radicals both intra- and extra-cellular. In addition to its benefits as an energy promoter and antioxidant, lipoid acid has a variety of other benefits. For example, it has been found to promote healthy insulin sensitivity and healthy glucose disposal. This was seen in human clinical research in which 600 to 1800 mg daily of lipoid acid was given orally after four weeks of use. Likewise,600 to 1200 mg of lipoid acid daily was shown to help promote healthy nerve function within 3 to 5 weeks. In addition, oral supplementation with 300 mg of lipoid acid daily for 4 weeks supported healthy blood flow, compared to placebo. Ordinary lipoid acid, also know as s-lipoid acid, is about 30% absorbed from dietary or supplemental sources. R-lipoid acid is the biologically active portion of the molecule, and provides maximum antioxidant activity at lower dosage levels. After oral dosing peak plasma concentrations of r-lipoid acid were found to be 40-50% higher than ordinary s-lipoid acid. This suggests that r-lipoid acid is better absorbed than s-la.