Doctor's Best, Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid with BioEnhanced Na-RALA, 100 mg, 180 Veggie Caps

Effects of Lipoic Acid Lipoic acid (LA) is a sulphur-containing fatty acid that performs vitamin-like roles in the body. Also known as "thioctic acid," LA functions, in a similar way to B complex vitamins, as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates that produces energy inside cells for the body's metabolic needs. Lipoic Acid is required for synthesis of "acetyl CoA," a key metabolite in the cellular process that turns glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Because the body produces LA on its own, it is not classified as a true vitamin. As with other so-called "non-essential" nutrients, however, internal LA production may not always be optimal. Lipoic acid functions as both a water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant. LA's ability to act upon free radicals in both a watery and fatty environment makes it a highly versatile antioxidant. In the body, alpha-lipoic acid can be converted (reduced) to DHLA, or dihydrolipoic acid. Together, these two forms of LA make up a "redox couple," which means that each form can chemically change into the other and back again. DHLA also functions as an antioxidant. Benefits of R-Lipoic Acid Supports the Body's Defence Against Free Radicals Recycles Antioxidant Nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E Helps Maintain a Healthy Blood Sugar Level when used as part of the diet Contains Na-RALA (Sodium R-Lipoic Acid) Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid contains BioEnhanced™ Na-RALA, the sodium salt of R-Lipoic acid (RLA). Pure RLA is a very unstable molecule that has a tendency to polymerize with exposure to heat, light and moisture. RLA is also hygroscopic, or water-seeking. This presents problems for those wishing to supplement with RLA. Any of these conditions can lead to deactivation of the beneficial activity of lipoic acid. Unlike pure RLA, BioEnhanced™ Na-RALA is a stabilised form of RLA that wont degrade at high temperatures, is more bioavailable than regular RLA and has no solvent residues. Lipoic Acid- the "Universal Antioxidant" Lipoic Acid is often referred to as the "universal antioxidant" for a number of reasons. This substance has a broad range of antioxidant activity that makes it ideally suited as a potent free radical scavenger. An ideal antioxidant would have the ability to quench a wide variety of free radicals, to support the functioning of other antioxidants, to function in watery and fatty environments, and to be present in tissues, cells and extra cellular spaces. Lipoic Acid exceeds these criteria and can thus be considered one of the most potent antioxidants available. About Doctors Best Doctors Best was founded in 1990 with the idea to create nutritional supplements rooted in research. From sourcing top-quality ingredients to working with the best manufacturers in the business, their science-based approach to nutrition sets them apart. Today, Doctors Best continue to uphold their founders belief that by trusting in science, good health will follow. They put in the work so you can thrive. Best Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid contains BioEnhanced Na-RALA and is more bioavailable than regular Lipoic Acid. Lipoic Acid is known as the Universal Antioxidant and is potent and highly versatile.