Description
The naturally occurring R-enantiomer of alpha-lipoic acid, distinct from the racemic R/S mixture sold as standard ALA. Only the R-form is synthesized in the human body and binds to the lipoyl-dependent enzymes of mitochondrial metabolism.
Pale yellow crystalline powder. Approximately twice the biological activity of racemic ALA on a weight basis, with cleaner pharmacokinetics and lower individual variability.
We supply food-grade R-Alpha Lipoic Acid from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production. Stabilized sodium salt (Na-RALA) is also available for improved water solubility and shelf life.
Common market grades include free-acid R-ALA 98%, sodium R-ALA salt for capsule and beverage applications, and microencapsulated grades for tablet compression.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering optical rotation, assay, polymer content, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing coenzyme essential to pyruvate dehydrogenase and other mitochondrial decarboxylase complexes. The body synthesizes only the R-enantiomer.
Industrial racemic ALA, made by chemical synthesis, contains an equal mixture of R and S forms. The S-enantiomer is biologically inactive and has been shown in some studies to interfere with R-form uptake at high concentrations.
Commercial isolation of pure R-ALA at scale was solved through chiral resolution and asymmetric synthesis routes during the 2000s. The pure R-form commands a price premium and is positioned in higher-tier supplement lines.
The free acid is moderately stable but tends to polymerize at warm conditions, which is why the sodium salt form was developed for liquid applications and long shelf life. Typical adult dosing ranges from 50 mg to 300 mg of R-ALA daily, equivalent to roughly twice that dose of racemic material.
Where it is used
- Premium antioxidant supplements positioned above standard racemic ALA
- Metabolic and glucose-support formulations
- Neuropathy-support products in nutraceutical and medical-food channels
- Anti-aging and mitochondrial-support complexes
- Sports recovery and endurance formulations
- Skin-health and cosmeceutical products
- Co-formulation with acetyl-L-carnitine, biotin, and chromium
- Functional beverages using the sodium salt form
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow crystalline powder |
| Assay (R-isomer) | ≥ 98.0% |
| S-isomer content | ≤ 1.0% |
| Optical rotation | +95° to +110° |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Polymer content | ≤ 2.0% |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
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