Alpha Lipoic Acid, 60 Veg Caps, Natural Wellness

How does Alpha Lipoic Acid differ from other forms of Lipoic Acid?

Lipoic Acid exists in three forms: Alpha R-Lipoic Acid, Alpha S-Lipoic Acid and Alpha RS-Lipoic Acid. Some facts about these forms include:

• Alpha S-Lipoic Acid and Alpha RS-Lipoic Acid are synthetics that were created by chemical synthesis in the 1950s and are more commonly known and sold as Alpha Lipoic Acid.
• Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is the natural, "fully active" form of Lipoic Acid, the only version that exists in nature, produced in the body and synthesized by both plants and animals.
• Research indicates that Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is the proper, structural fit for membrane receptors and enzymes; therefore, it is metabolized more efficiently and with much greater potency than the synthetic "unnatural forms."

What does Alpha R-Lipoic Acid do?

Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals.

A free radical is an atom or molecule with at least one unpaired electron. The free radical attacks neighboring molecules in an effort to "steal" an electron in order to return it to its natural state. In this process, it turns the neighboring molecule into a free radical which, in turn, sets off a chain reaction that wreaks havoc on cells.

Alpha R-Lipoic Acid does everything an antioxidant should do - and more!

Alpha Lipoic Acid is produced by every cell in the body. Even though Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is created naturally, there is good evidence that our bodies can lose the ability to synthesize enough when we need it most. Therefore, it is included in many practitioner's recommended health regimens, because it is known to protect - and even restore - the integrity of cells throughout the body. Supplementation is recommended and can produce profound therapeutic benefits.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: Super antioxidant

Dr. Lester Packer, Antioxidant Research Director of the leading antioxidant research center at the University of California at Berkley, and considered the world's foremost antioxidant research scientist, describes Lipoic Acid in his book The Antioxidant Miracle. Dr. Packer states, "Lipoic Acid is a super antioxidant that breaks many of the rules of antioxidant behavior. If I were to invent an ideal antioxidant, it would closely resemble Lipoic Acid, which does everything an antioxidant should do and more."

Dr. Packer's research has shown:

1. Alpha R-Lipoic Acid, also known as the "Universal Antioxidant," is a powerful free radical scavenger.
   Most antioxidants are either fat or water soluble, which means they are not allowed access to all parts of the cell. Because of its unique structure, it is allowed into both the fatty and watery portions of the cell, which greatly enhances its ability to trap free radicals wherever they may be.
2. Alpha R-Lipoic Acid is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
   The brain is a major producer of free radicals and is therefore particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. By it being able to cross into the brain area and neutralize free radicals, it reduces oxidative stress and the loss of good brain cells that often contribute to memory loss - thus supporting healthy brain function.
3. As the "powerhouse" of cells, mitochondria convert nutrients into cellular energy (ATP), the energy that cells need to function.
   With age or disease, mitochondria activity decreases, resulting in lower energy production, slower metabolism, increased oxidative stress and cell damage. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with Alpha R-Lipoic Acid: