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Antioxidant

NA-R-ALA (Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid)

Also known as: R-Lipoic Acid Sodium Salt, Sodium R-Lipoate, NARALA, Stabilized R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

B
Evidence

NA-R-ALA is a sodium salt form of R-lipoic acid designed to improve stability and bioavailability compared to standard alpha-lipoic acid. It functions as a mitochondrial antioxidant and cofactor for energy metabolism enzymes.

Primary uses

  • Mitochondrial support
  • Antioxidant defense
  • Blood sugar metabolism support
  • Nerve health (neuropathy support)
  • Energy production

How it works

  • Mitochondrial antioxidant scavenging reactive oxygen species
  • Cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes
  • Recycling other antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione)
  • Chelating transition metals
  • Supporting NAD+ metabolism

Dosage

Typical range
100-600 mg daily
Timing
Can be taken with or without food; morning dosing common for energy support
With food
May be taken with or without food; some evidence suggests food may slightly reduce absorption
Duration
Safe for long-term use; benefits for metabolic support typically assessed over 8-12 weeks
Special populations
Diabetic individuals should monitor blood glucose; may potentiate insulin or glucose-lowering medications

Forms

  • Powder· 70/100
  • Capsule· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

  • Generally well-tolerated
  • Mild GI upset (rare)
  • Sulfur-like body odor (reported with high doses)
  • Headache (rare)

Contraindications

  • Concurrent use with blood sugar medications requires monitoring
  • Pregnancy and lactation (limited safety data)
  • Active thiamine deficiency (lipoic acid may lower thiamine)

Evidence notes

R-lipoic acid (the bioactive form) has good clinical evidence for blood sugar support and neuropathy, particularly in diabetes. The NA-R-ALA salt form improves stability/absorption over standard ALA, but comparative human trials are limited. Grade reflects strong evidence for R-lipoic acid pharmacology but more modest evidence specific to the sodium salt formulation.

Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.