What is the R form of alpha-lipoic acid?
The R-form of alpha-lipoic acid is the active, natural form. The S-form occurs when alpha lipoic acid is synthetically manufactured, creating both the S-form and the active R-form. The S-form is most likely inactive, although some information suggests it may an analgesic effect.
Is R lipoic acid the same as R alpha-lipoic acid?
The main difference between alpha lipoic acid and R lipoic acid is that alpha-lipoic acid is a vitamin-like antioxidant while R-lipoic acid is the cis form of alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid are two types of compounds produced by cells. Both have structures similar to vitamins.
What is R alpha-lipoic acid used for?
Alpha-lipoic acid has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in weight loss, treating diabetic nerve pain, healing wounds, lowering blood sugar, improving skin discoloration caused by vitiligo, and decreasing complications of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Are there different forms of alpha-lipoic acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid exists in three different forms: alpha R-lipoic acid, alpha S-lipoic acid, and alpha RS-lipoic acid. Some antioxidants work only in water such as vitamin C or vitamin E, but alpha-lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble, as it can work throughout the body.
Is R lipoic acid good for kidneys?
More recently, lipoic acid demonstrated positive effects in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy [115–118]. In particular, it was able to prevent renal insufficiency, glomerular mesangial matrix expansion, and glomerulosclerosis by restoring glutathione and reducing malondialdehyde levels [119].
How does R alpha lipoic acid work?
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by the body. It is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. Antioxidants attack “free radicals,” waste products created when the body turns food into energy.
What does the R mean in R lipoic acid?
The “R” form is the biologically active component (native to the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid’s phenomenal antioxidant effect. The “S” form is produced from chemical manufacture and is not very biologically active. Alpha lipoic acid supplements consist of the “R” and “S” form in a 50/50 ratio.
Is R lipoic acid safe?
Alpha-lipoic acid is generally considered safe with little to no side effects. In some cases, people may experience mild symptoms like nausea, rashes, or itching. However, research shows that adults can take up to 2,400 mg without harmful side effects (38).
Does R lipoic acid help kidney function?
What foods contain R lipoic acid?
They include spinach, broccoli, yams, potatoes, yeast, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, and rice bran. Red meat — and particularly organ meat — is also a source of alpha-lipoic acid.
How long does it take for alpha lipoic acid to work for neuropathy?
It is striking that clinically relevant effects on neuropathic pain are seen after only 3–5 weeks of alpha lipoic acid administration.
Does alpha lipoic acid repair nerve damage?
Several studies have found that they can improve insulin resistance. Studies also found that alpha-lipoic acid supplements can help with neuropathy — nerve damage — caused by diabetes or cancer treatment. They seem to reduce symptoms like pain, tingling, and prickling in the feet and legs.