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What is Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) powder?

The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid helps turn glucose into energy. Also referred to as R-ALA or R-thioctic acid, this R-alpha lipoic acid is the bioavailable stereoisomer of ALA and a fatty acid with powerful antioxidant properties. It is found in meat and fresh green leafy vegetables.

There is a major difference between R-ALA versus the racemic RS-ALA that is also sold on the PureBulk website. This R-ALA costs more because it is the most bioavailable and bioactive form of ALA and is more expensive to manufacture. The vast majority of all ALA manufactured worldwide is RS-ALA, not R-ALA.

R-ALA is the form of Alpha lipoic acid that is naturally occuring in varying concentrations in all muscles and internal organs. Alpha lipoic acid is fat soluble. After ingesting ALA through supplement or food, ALA readily enters blood circulation and freely crosses the blood-brain barrier.

ALA works together with Vitamin C and Vitamin E to protect cells and rid the body of harmful substances.

ALA has the ability to recycle key antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, glutathione, coenzyme Q10 and even itself. Dubbed "the universal antioxidant," ALA assists B vitamins in producing energy from proteins, carbohydrates and fats. ALA also helps the body convert glucose to energy.

ALA is the only antioxidant that has been demonstrated to increase Glutathione production, essential for healthy immune system functioning. Glutathione is the body's main water-soluble antioxidant and a major liver detoxification agent. Glutathione breaks down in the digestive tract before it reaches cells. Therefore, ALA's ability to boost glutathione levels is important.

Health Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA plays an important role in the Krebs cycle, the body's main process for turning carbohydrates into energy. Alpha lipoic acid neutralizes a wide variety of free radicals circulating through the body, molecules that can damage cell membranes.

ALA acts to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, affecting overall well-being. ALA works for bodybuilders and other strength athletes because alpha lipoic acid acts as a metabolic antioxidant and fights free radicals that can slow muscle recovery. ALA enhances the delivery of carbohydrates, creatine and other important nutrients.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

ALA and acetyl l-carnitine work synergistically to increase well-being. These supplements are good nootropics and are frequently blended together in retail products.

ALCAR is the acetylated version of L-carnitine, an important amino acid that improves mitochondrial function and plays a role in fatty acid oxidation. ALA is a naturally occurring antioxidant enzyme and an important mitochondrial component.

ALA with ALCAR may increase glucose transport to muscle, particularly because exercise is associated with a high degree of oxidative stress. Secondly, ALA and ALCAR may synergize to increase fatty acid utilization and cellular energy production.

Purebulk offers a blended product of ALCAR/ALA capsules with 425mg ALCAR and 175mg ALA. Since ALA powder has an unpleasant taste, capsules are used for this blended product.

Purity and Concentration of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

This pharmaceutical-grade alpha lipoic acid powder contains no additives or anti-caking agents.

Potential Side Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

No serious side effects to alpha lipoic acid have been documented at the commonly recommended serving size. However, nausea or indigestion may occur.Take with plenty of water. If taken in much higher amounts, alpha lipoic acid may cause an allergic skin rash. Alpha-lipoic acid may alter blood sugar levels so diabetics should exercise caution when taking ALA. Discuss potential drug interactions with your doctor before taking ALA.

Recommended Use of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

The recommended serving size for ALA is 200 milligrams taken 1-3 times per day, depending on individual needs. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for ALA here.

It is recommended that ALA supplements be taken on an empty stomach. Since red meat is one of the richest sources of naturally-occurring alpha lipoic acid, dietary supplementation should be considered by vegetarians and those cutting down on red meat consumption.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Product

Alpha lipoic acid is fat soluble but has an unpleasant chemical burning taste. An alternative is capsules containing alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L-carnitine.

References & Further Research

American Cancer Society: Lipoic Acid

University of Maryland: Alpha Lipoic Acid

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated differently than medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more, visit the FDA Web site.