R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Lipoic Acid Enantiomer

R-alpha-lipoic acid is the naturally occurring R enantiomer of lipoic acid. It is distinct from racemic R,S-alpha-lipoic acid. Solubility, polymerization, salt form, food, and formulation materially change oral exposure, so evidence must be matched to the exact product.

Pharmacokinetic model

A route-level PK model for r-alpha-lipoic acid is being prepared from published data. Dosing references, studies, and documented interactions are below; the app catalog is updated as models are validated.

Key facts

Category
Lipoic Acid Enantiomer
Suggested cadence
once daily

Research behind this entry

  1. The plasma pharmacokinetics of R-(+)-lipoic acid administered as sodium R-(+)-lipoate to healthy human subjects Carlson DA, Smith AR, Fischer SJ, Young KL, Packer L · Alternative Medicine Review, 2007

    Twelve healthy adults received 600 mg R-lipoic acid as a pre-dissolved sodium R-lipoate solution. The formulation produced rapid exposure and differed from free or racemic lipoic acid. These data are specific to the…

  2. Gastrointestinal Tolerability and Absorption of R- Versus R,S-Lipoic Acid in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Crossover Trial Cameron M, Taylor C, Lapidus J, Ramsey K, Koop D, Spain R · Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2020 DOI

    Twenty participants entered a double-blind crossover comparison of 600 mg R-LA with 1200 mg racemic R,S-LA. R-enantiomer exposure was bioequivalent between the regimens and gastrointestinal reports were fewer with R-LA,…

2 published studies referenced in the app, each with a plain-language summary.