Best Alpha Lipoic Acid (150 mg) 120 Caps

 

• Science-based nutrition
• Dietary supplement
• Defends against free radicals*
• Recycles antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E*
• Helps maintain healthy blood sugar level when used as part of the diet*

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid) is a naturally occurring vitamin-like nutrient that has been intensely investigated as a therapeutic agent for a variety of conditions involving the body’s nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and detoxification systems. It exists as two enantiomers or stereoisomers: R-(+)-lipoic acid (RLA) and S-(-)-lipoic acid (SLA). It is produced in small amounts in the liver and other body tissues, where it is needed by enzymes to catalyze numerous essential chemical reactions in the body. For instance, ALA is essential inside the mitochondria of cells, where it is needed to metabolize glucose and direct calories into energy production.

 

ALA is considered to be a multimodal supplement because, aside from its enzymatic role in energy production, it acts by multiple mechanisms and displays diverse pharmacologic and antioxidant properties. Recently discovered is ALA’s ability to switch the regulation of several genes linked to cell survival, inflammation and oxidative stress. So in addition to its enzymatic role, ALA is a powerful antioxidant and performs a number of other vital functions related to its ability to modify the expression of various genes. ALA is therefore not so much a direct benefit to cells, but rather an indirect aid that "kick starts" declining function in cells, helping them recover the functions that came more easily and naturally in the young.

 

Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 to 6 capsules daily with or without food.

 

Supplement Facts
Serving size: 1 Capsule
Serving Per Container: 120 Servings
Amount Per Serving         %DV
Alpha Lipoic Acid                               150 mg              †
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† Daily Value not established.

 

Other ingredients: Cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), gelatin (capsule).

 

Contains nothing other than listed ingredients.

 

150mg, 120C

Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that performs vitamin-like roles in the body. Also known as lipoic acid (LA) or thioctic acid, it functions as a co-enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and is in this way similar to B-complex vitamins. LA 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.

Alpha-lipoic acid functions as both a water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant. Free radicals are normal by-products of metabolism that, while necessary at normal levels, may damage tissues over time if not properly kept in check by antioxidants. Lipoic acid’s ability to neutralize free radicals in both watery and fatty environments makes it a highly versatile antioxidant. In the body, alpha-lipoic acid can be converted (reduced) to DHLA, or dihydrolipoic acid, a potent mitochondrial antioxidant. It is not necessary to take DHLA as a supplement, as the body may readily convert LA to DHLA.

Supports the body’s defense against free radicals*

Recycles antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E*

An ideal antioxidant would have the ability to quench a wide variety of free radicals, to support the functioning of other antioxidants, to bind or “chelate” metal ions that can generate free radicals, to function in watery and fatty environments, and to be present in tissues, cells, and extracellular spaces. Having exceeded these criteria, Lipoic Acid was termed the “universal antioxidant.”⁵

As a team, LA and DHLA come close to the ideal, for the following reasons:^6-8

1) LA is easily absorbed when consumed orally.

2) LA is readily converted to DHLA in various tissues.

3) As a pair, LA and DHLA neutralize superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl, and hypochlorus radicals.

4) LA and DHLA form stable complexes with metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper and zinc ions.

5) LA and DHLA scavenge free radicals in both fatty and watery environments.

6) DHLA recycles other important antioxidants.

Within the cell, antioxidants work as a team to keep free radicals from damaging cell structures. In order to neutralize a free radical, an antioxidant such as vitamin C must give up an electron, which means it becomes oxidized. Before it can function as an antioxidant once again, it must be regenerated back to its "reduced" form by gaining an electron to replace the donated electron. For this, it needs the help of other antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione are key antioxidants that can be generated by cycling between their oxidized and reduced forms. This is necessary to maintain the balance between oxidation and its reverse––the neutralization of free radicals by antioxidants.

DHLA is an essential component in the interaction between these antioxidants, as well as being able to recycle coenzyme Q (CoQ). Studies show that addition of alpha-lipoic acid to liver tissues results in increased vitamin C levels. It has been found that DHLA is responsible for regenerating vitamin C, which in turn regenerates vitamin E.⁸ DHLA also converts glutathione from its oxidized form back into its free radical scavenging reduced form.^{8, 9} The LA/DHLA pair is thus vital for answering "oxidative stress," which occurs when the balance is tipped in favor of oxidation in cells.¹⁰ DHLA helps preserve antioxidants in both the watery cell interior and the fatty structure of cell membranes.⁵ Evidence from animal studies suggests the free radical-scavenging activity of DHLA in the mammalian brain.¹¹

Helps maintain healthy glucose metabolism*

Alpha-lipoic acid is a key factor in the cellular process that metabolizes glucose for energy production. Researchers have noted that for a non-hormonal compound, LA is remarkable for its effect on carbohydrate metabolism—especially the R-lipoic form of alpha-lipoic acid. For example, in vitro studies have shown the ability of RLA to promote rapid uptake of glucose in muscle and fat cells.^{12, 13} The impact of lipoic acid administration in promoting healthy blood sugar metabolism is also evidenced in numerous animal and human studies.^{14, 15} In one rat study, the known benefit of exercise on glucose uptake was complimented by 30 mg of RLA per kg body weight for 2 weeks. Glucose uptake into muscle increased by 45% in sedentary rats given RLA (compared to rats not receiving RLA); when the rats combined treadmill exercise with the RLA administration, glucose uptake jumped to 124% (compared to only 68% in rats given exercise but no RLA).¹⁶ After helping to initially increase glucose uptake into cells, RLA subsequently increases glucose utilization via activation of an enzyme complex—called the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex—involved in energy production inside the mitochondria of cells.¹⁷ LA is cited especially for its ability to reduce oxidative stress in the context of the important relationship between healthy blood sugar levels and vascular health.¹⁸

Supports healthy aging*

As we age, our ability to synthesize lipoic acid decreases. Age also brings an accumulation of oxidized proteins that interfere with mitochondrial efficiency. LA’s status as a so-called “mitochondrial nutrient” addresses this situation.¹⁹ Furthermore, aging is accompanied by a decreased ability of the liver to recycle ascorbic acid following oxidative stress. R-lipoic acid, after two weeks of supplementation to aged rats, reversed the age-related impairment of ascorbic acid recycling and concentration in liver cells.²⁰ A second study confirmed these results.  Researchers determined that an RLA-supplemented diet fed to old rats for two weeks resulted in improved mitochondrial function, decreased free radical damage, and increased metabolic rate. Whereas a significant decline was seen in ascorbic acid and glutathione levels in the livers of the control rats, the RLA-supplemented group showed no decline in the levels of these critical antioxidants.²¹

Supports cognitive function and brain health*

Aging is associated with oxidative stress in the brain. The brain's high rate of metabolism and its long-lived neurons make it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Since LA interrupts cellular oxidative processes in both its oxidized and reduced forms, it plays a modulatory role in the brain and nervous system. One group of researchers found that LA decreased oxidative stress in the brain mitochondria of aged rats.²² This kind of activity inside of neurons may help explain the observed effect of LA administration on cognitive upkeep in an animal model. Evidence of cognitive benefits has cropped up in multiple studies on normal old mice, including one where longer-term memory was enhanced by LA.¹⁹ There are probably several mechanisms—in tandem with decreased oxidative stress—behind the cognitive support seen in these animal studies, including stimulated production of acetylcholine and enhancement of memory-related signaling pathways.¹⁹ Preliminary research on humans suggests that LA supports sustained cognitive function in older age.^{23, 24}

Supports eye health*

Studies also indicate that supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid supports eye health. One of the most toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, acrolein, is especially harmful to retinal pigment epithelial cells. Rats chronically exposed to low doses of acrolein lose the viability of these cells, showing a decrease in mitochondrial function due to oxidative stress. Pretreatment of these retina cells with LA before the acrolein exposure significantly protected them from oxidative damage.²⁵ RLA is exceptionally suitable for supporting the retina of the eye. This was shown in rats, presumably via prevention of the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, a protein complex found in all cells that is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, free radicals, and ultraviolet irradiation.²⁶ Studies in rats also demonstrate LA’s ability to support healthy retinal capillaries.²⁷

Supports cardiovascular health*

Alpha-lipoic acid may offer several different mechanisms in helping us to maintain cardiovascular health. From animal studies, researchers began to discover the impact of LA on blood lipids over half a century ago.²⁸ Additionally, a recent study in mice demonstrated results seen in previous studies using mice or rats: lipoic acid lowered body weight gain and fat mass.²⁹. Researchers attributed this to appetite suppression and enhanced energy expenditure. Mice in this same study also benefited from lower levels of triglycerides upon LA administration. While the favorable results seen in many of these in vivo studies have not yet been investigated in humans, researchers believe that LA supplementation holds promise for supporting the cardiovascular system through such means as helping to maintain a healthy weight and by promoting healthy lipid metabolism.

1. Bast, A. and G.R. Haenen, Biofactors, 2003. 17(1-4): p. 207-13.
2. Breithaupt-Grogler, K., et al., Eur J Pharm Sci, 1999. 8(1): p. 57-65.
3. Carlson, D.A., et al., Altern Med Rev, 2007. 12(4): p. 343-51.
4. Zempleni, J., T.A. Trusty, and D.M. Mock, J Nutr, 1997. 127(9): p. 1776-81.
5. Kagan, V.E., et al., Biochem Pharmacol, 1992. 44(8): p. 1637-49.
6. Packer, L., E.H. Witt, and H.J. Tritschler, Free Radic Biol Med, 1995. 19(2): p. 227-50.
7. Suzuki, Y.J., M. Tsuchiya, and L. Packer, Free Radic Res Commun, 1991. 15(5): p. 255-63.
8. Biewenga, G.P., G.R. Haenen, and A. Bast, Gen Pharmacol, 1997. 29(3): p. 315-31.
9. Bast, A. and G.R. Haenen, Biochim Biophys Acta, 1988. 963(3): p. 558-61.
10. Serbinova, E., I. Maitra, and L. Packer, Life Chemistry Reports, 1994. 12: p. 17-21.
11. Prehn, J.H., et al., J Cereb Blood Flow Metab, 1992. 12(1): p. 78-87.
12. Estrada, D.E., et al., Diabetes, 1996. 45(12): p. 1798-804.
13. Yaworsky, K., et al., Diabetologia, 2000. 43(3): p. 294-303.
14. Jacob, S., et al., Free Radic Biol Med, 1999. 27(3-4): p. 309-14.
15. Kamenova, P., Hormones (Athens), 2006. 5(4): p. 251-8.
16. Saengsirisuwan, V., et al., Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2004. 287(3): p. E529-36.
17. Korotchkina, L.G., S. Sidhu, and M.S. Patel, Free Radic Res, 2004. 38(10): p. 1083-92.
18. Muellenbach, E.A., et al., Metabolism, 2008. 57(10): p. 1465-72.
19. Liu, J., Neurochem Res, 2008. 33(1): p. 194-203.
20. Lykkesfeldt, J., et al., FASEB J, 1998. 12(12): p. 1183-9.
21. Hagen, T.M., et al., Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 1999. 13(2): p. 411-418.
22. Palaniappan, A.R. and A. Dai, Neurochem Res, 2007. 32(9): p. 1552-8.
23. Hager, K., et al., Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2001. 32(3): p. 275-282.
24. Holmquist, L., et al., Pharmacol Ther, 2007. 113(1): p. 154-64.
25. Jia, L., et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2007. 48(1): p. 339-48.
26. Lin, J., et al., Diabetologia, 2006. 49(5): p. 1089-96.
27. Kowluru, R.A. and S. Odenbach, Diabetes, 2004. 53(12): p. 3233-3238.
28. Wollin, S.D. and P.J. Jones, J Nutr, 2003. 133(11): p. 3327-30.
29. Zhang, W.J., et al., Circulation, 2008. 117(3): p. 421-8.

Q1.	Is the Alpha Lipoic Acid natural or synthetic?
A1.	It is synthetic.
Q2.	How is Alpha Lipoic Acid made?
A2.	When ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) is manufactured synthetically, it occurs as a racemic mixture of the 2 forms, R and S. The R form is found naturally in the body and is considered the "active" form. The S form is a byproduct of the manufacturing process and is considered to be the biologically "inactive" form, although some research shows that it may have different activity than the R form, which may or may not be beneficial. Generally, it is considered to be inactive, however. Most basic ALA products are a 50:50 mixture of both.
Q3.	Many ALA supplements are derived from potatoes. What is the Doctor's Best ALA derived from?
A3.	ALA is a synthesized product. It does not come from potatoes.
Q4.	What are your gelatin capsules made of?
A4.	Our capsules are typical gelatin capsules, with the exception of select products now available in veggie cap form. See veggie cap listing. They are made of gelatin from cattle, like the “Knox gelatin” sold in grocery stores. The gelatin used to make Doctor’s Best’s capsules is manufactured in accordance with strict guidelines that ensure it is BSE-free. The FDA and the supplement industry approved these guidelines. Our gelatin is made only from cattle living in non-BSE countries. All Doctor’s Best capsules are in full compliance with the FDA’s September 1997 guidance for industry for “The Sourcing and Processing of Gelatin to Reduce the Potential Risk Posed by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in FDA-Regulated Products for Human Use.”
Q5.	How long would it take for a CAPSULE to dissolve?
A5.	Approximately 30-45 minutes. For 2-piece gelatin capsule, the USP standard for maximum dissolution time is 45 minutes. According to one large encapsulator, gelatin capsules typically dissolve in about 30 minutes, but never more than 45 minutes. Note: Testing dissolution times of capsules and tablets at home using vinegar is not an accurate way to learn what happens to capsules and tablets in your stomach. Because stomach acid is much stronger than vinegar, capsules and tablets dissolve much faster in the stomach than in a glass of water or vinegar. Also, the stomach continually “agitates” the content much like a washing machine does.
Q6.	What is modified cellulose and is it safe?
A6.	The cellulose is derived from alpha cellulose from softwood pulp. This softwood pulp may be derived from hemlock, spruce or other soft woods. It is made by cooking raw plant fiber in an aqueous solution to separate the cellulose, and then purified. It then goes through extra processing to further break down the fiber. The finished product contains no residual solvents. Excipients are needed to make the materials flow into the capsule and are extremely minute in amounts and are safe.
Q7.	I am somewhat confused on how to take the DRB products. On many of the labels the Suggested Adult Use will list something along the lines of: Take 2 capsules daily, but it does not state whether they should be taken together or separately. What is the correct usage?
A7.	Unless otherwise specified on the label, the product may be taken together or separately.
Q8.	Is there a limit to how many vitamins can be taken safely in one day?
A8.	While our bodies need vitamins and minerals, like other things, if taken in large amounts they may adversely affect health. Large amounts of anything can be toxic. It is important to follow all label directions and discuss any concerns with your physician.
Q9.	What are the other ingredients and why are they used?
A9.	These are used as flow agents and aid in the production to keep the machinery running smoothly and the capsules filling correctly.  Similarly for the croscarmellose sodium, which is cellulose (sourced from the cell walls of green plants), and is used to help disintegrate the tablet in the stomach.
Q10.	What is Silicon Dioxide and how is it produced?
A10.	Silicon dioxide is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, and it is found across the world in various forms. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) in its pure form is colorless to white. Precipitated synthetic amorphous silicas are obtained from a process essentially using sand. Precipitated silica is a safe (non-crystalline) mineral. According to the relevant United States and European Union standards, precipitated silica is non-hazardous with regard to manufacture, transportation and handling. Precipitated silica is an inert powder and a certified food and feed additive.
Q11.	Should I be concerned when I see that Silicon Dioxide has been used as an excipient in DRB products?
A11.	According to numerous studies reviewed to date on this long-term Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) listed food additive, the following was found: The oral toxicity in mice is greater than (>) 5 grams/kilogram of body weight (Kimmerle 1968), or greater than 350 grams in one dose in humans based on allometric comparisons between mice and humans. A single dose of 2.5 grams of amorphous polymeric silicon dioxide to human volunteers did not significantly raise the SiO2 excretion in the urine thus suggesting poor absorption of the compound (silicon dioxide)--(Langendorf 1966). Less than one one-hundredth (1000th) of the dose was found in urine, suggesting extremely poor absorption--(Langendorf 1966). This would suggest that there is no scientific reason to eliminate silicon dioxide as an excipient at the very low levels found in dietary supplements. For further information re: Silicon dioxide, see "Minerals, Trace Elements and Human Health, 4th Edition."
Q12.	Why is silicon dioxide used as an excipient in DRB products?
A12.	Silicon Dioxide is commonly used as a flow agent in supplements. It also works as an anti-caking agent, and is added as an ingredient in foods, many multivitamins and mineral supplements because silicon is necessary for good health and is a necessary nutrient for the health of skin, hair, nails and bones.
Q13.	It seems that information is now out claiming that magnesium stearate is a form of, or implicated in, trans fat, which everyone now regards as being bad. Why does Doctor’s Best use magnesium stearate in its products?
A13.	Magnesium Stearate is used to work as a lubricant in the formula. Magnesium Stearate is a salt of stearic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. A trans fatty acid (commonly shortened to trans fat) is an unsaturated fatty acid molecule. Stearic acid, being a saturated fatty acid, is not a trans fat. The magnesium stearate used in Doctor’s Best products is vegetable sourced from palm oil.
Q14.	What kind of rice constitutes the rice powder excipient commonly used in several DRB products?
A14.	Rice Powder comes from white rice unless otherwise specified on the label.
Q15.	What is cellulose and modified cellulose produced from?
A15.	Southern pine and spruce.
Q16.	Since Doctor's Best does not manufacture its supplements, how are the purity and integrity of supplements verified? In addition, how are your prices lower than other brands? Does this mean that quality is being compromised?
A16.	Doctor's Best supplements are manufactured in the US at cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) certified facilities. All of our manufacturers and suppliers go through our vendor qualification program, which includes inspections and testing, before we agree to work with them. Our finished products have also been tested at the raw material level, in process, and as a finished product to ensure safety and quality. We place the highest importance on safety and quality and do not compromise for the sake of a better price point. The price points are lower because of production size and the overall business structure. We also place great importance on making our supplements available and affordable to those who need them most.
Q17.	What is HPLC?
A17.	HPLC stands for "High Performance Liquid Chromatography." This is an analytical lab testing method that is used to quantify the active ingredients. It is considered to be a very sensitive and accurate test. HPLC testing is a tool recognized as a quality benchmark for herbal extracts.
Q18.	Does cellulose interfere with the absorption of supplements?
A18.	Dietary fiber in general is known to change intestinal viscosity, nutrient absorption, transit time, and gut hormones. Although there is some evidence from animal studies that large amounts of cellulose in the diet (6-12% of diet) can interfere with nutrient absorption (particularly minerals), there is no evidence that the small amount in capsules interfere with nutrient absorption, as there are many pharmacokinetic studies that have been conducted with nutrients in cellulose capsules, demonstrating the ability of the nutrients to be effectively absorbed.
Q19.	What is the percent of R-form and S-form in Best Alpha Lipoic Acid?
A19.	It contains 50% R-form and 50% S-form.

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