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Difference Between Alpha Lipoic Acid and R-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and R-lipoic acid (RLA) are two different forms of the antioxidant molecule lipoic acid. Although they share a similar chemical structure, they have some distinct differences in their properties and benefits. In this essay, we will explore the differences between alpha lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid.
What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), also known as 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid is a compound that contains sulfur along with atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It includes both the unnatural enantiomer that is known as the s-lipoic acid (SLA) and the natural enantiomer that is known as the r-lipoic acid (RLA).
Formation − The natural form of alpha lipoic acid, the RLA, is formed naturally through chemical reactions that take place in the cells within the body of plants and animals. The SLA enantiomer is formed in the laboratory by means of various chemical reactions that first took place in the 1950s. Scientists were able to modify and transform the natural form of ALA to form the mirror image or enantiomer, which became known as the s- form, the SLA.
Function − Alpha lipoic acid has an important function in the mitochondria of cells where reactions that involve dehydrogenase enzymes take place. It also seems to help prevent damage to membranes through its interaction with glutathione and ascorbic acid, and it also functions as a strong antioxidant.
Health Benefits − There have been many claims regarding the benefits of alpha lipoic acid to a persons’ health. There is, in fact, some scientific evidence that does support such claims. In fact, researchers have found that alpha lipoic acid has been shown to help in situations of neural degeneration and for difficulties that diabetics have; particularly in cases of diabetic neuropathy. It also seems to help in cases where there is ischemia- reperfusion injury, in other words where tissue has been without blood and oxygen which is then later restored.
What is R-Lipoic Acid?
The r-lipoic acid (RLA) is the natural form of the compound known as alpha lipoic acid. This is one of two enantiomers of the alpha lipoic acid compound.
Formation − The r-lipoic acid is formed through a series of reactions that take place in the mitochondria from the molecule octanoic acid. The enzyme octanoyltransferase is involved in further modifying the molecule so that it attaches to a lipoyl protein. The lipoyl synthase enzyme then functions to replace some of the hydrogens in the molecule with sulfur atoms. The final product that is formed stays attached to a protein.
Function − The r-lipoic acid occurs in cells bound to protein molecules. It functions as a cofactor and assists in metabolic reactions that involve α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase where it helps bind acyl groups during the metabolic process. It can be reduced to dihydrolipoic acid which is a strong antioxidant.
Health benefits − Studies have indicated that the r-lipoic acid form of alpha lipoic acid is very beneficial for health. It was actually shown to decrease some of the effects of aging when studies in rats in the laboratory. In fact, it stopped the loss of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and glutathione in the liver cells, which usually occurs with aging. It also increased the ability of rats to take in and use oxygen, another reversal of something commonly evident in aged individuals.
Differences: Alpha Lipoic Acid and R-Lipoic Acid
One of the main differences between alpha lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid is their chemical structure. Alpha lipoic acid is a 50/50 mixture of R-lipoic acid and S-lipoic acid, whereas R- lipoic acid is a pure, single-isomer form of lipoic acid. This means that RLA has a more specific and targeted action in the body, compared to ALA.
Another important difference between alpha lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid is their bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to how easily a substance is absorbed and used by the body. R-lipoic acid has been found to have greater bioavailability than alpha lipoic acid, meaning that it is more easily absorbed and used by the body. This is because RLA is the natural, active form of lipoic acid, so the body recognizes it more readily than the synthetic mixture found in ALA supplements.
Research has also suggested that R-lipoic acid may have greater antioxidant activity than alpha lipoic acid. One study found that RLA was more effective than ALA at scavenging free radicals and protecting cells against oxidative stress. This may be due to the fact that RLA is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body, allowing it to exert its antioxidant effects more efficiently.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, R-lipoic acid has been found to have other health benefits that differ from those of alpha lipoic acid. For example, RLA has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This may be because RLA enhances the activity of an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism.
Another potential benefit of R-lipoic acid is its ability to support mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in cells, and dysfunction of the mitochondria has been linked to a range of health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases and aging. RLA has been found to enhance mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress and improving energy production.
Characteristics |
Alpha Lipoic Acid |
R-Lipoic Acid |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is also known as 1,2-dithiolane-3- pentanoic acid. It is also present in the form of two enantiomers: RLA and SLA. |
The r-lipoic acid (RLA) is one of the enantiomers of alpha lipoic acid. |
Number of Molecular Orientations |
The alpha lipoic acid occurs in at least two different molecular orientations as RLA and SLA. |
The r-lipoic acid only occurs in the form of one molecular orientation. |
Formation |
The alpha lipoic acid formation varies depending on what form it is in. In fact, it is formed either naturally inside the mitochondria of cells or is artificially created by scientists. |
The r-lipoic acid is the form of alpha lipoic acid that is formed in the mitochondria from octanoic acid involving various enzymes. |
Function |
The function of alpha lipoic acid is to help with various chemical reactions that involve the dehydrogenase enzymes, which occur in the mitochondrion. |
The function of r-lipoic acid specifically is as a cofactor that helps in metabolic reactions that involve α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. |
Health Benefits |
The alpha lipoic acid appears to help in situations where a person has neural degeneration and it is helpful for diabetics. It is of particular use in helping treat diabetic neuropathy. It also aids in situations where there is an ischemia-reperfusion injury. |
The r-lipoic acid helps prevent some of the effects of aging such as the loss of the amino acid glutathione, and vitamin C from the liver. It also helps to improve the use and uptake of oxygen by cells. |
Conclusion
In summary, alpha lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid are two different forms of the antioxidant molecule lipoic acid. While they share a similar chemical structure, R-lipoic acid is the natural, biologically active form of lipoic acid that is found in the body and some foods, and has greater bioavailability and antioxidant activity than alpha lipoic acid. RLA has also been found to have additional health benefits, such as improving
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