Racemic alpha-lipoic acid (R,S / DL / thioctic acid)
Racemic alpha-lipoic acid (R,S / DL / thioctic acid) is a unrated form of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, used in 64 on-market products .
Why this tier: Equal mix of the natural R and the S enantiomer. Human comparisons with R-ALA are small: in a randomized crossover in 20 people with progressive MS, 600 mg R-LA gave R-LA AUC and Cmax bioequivalent to 1,200 mg racemic R,S-LA with fewer GI side effects (Cameron 2020); a pilot found variable, age-dependent differences (Keith 2012). No outcome trial compares the forms, so it is not ranked. The pharmaceutical (thioctic acid) tablet form also has PK data (Hermann 2014).
Source: Hermann R et al. 2014, Clin Pharmacol 6:195-204, PMID 25506250; Cameron M et al. 2020, J Clin Pharmacol 60(8):1099-1106, PMID 32212340; Keith DJ et al. 2012, Pharmacol Res 66(3):199-206, PMID 22609537
Trend
Brands using this form
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Pure Encapsulations | 18 |
| Genestra Brands | 13 |
| Bluebonnet | 8 |
| Athletic Greens | 3 |
| Country Life | 3 |
| CellShock Research | 2 |
| Dr. Clark Store | 2 |
| Jarrow Formulas | 2 |
| Metabolic Maintenance | 2 |
| Allergy Research Group | 1 |
| BergaMet North America | 1 |
| Bioparanta | 1 |
| Cardiovascular Research | 1 |
| Guardian Health | 1 |
| Isagenix | 1 |
| NFH | 1 |
| Nature's Truth | 1 |
| NutriCology | 1 |
| Pharmax | 1 |
| Source Naturals | 1 |