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| Form | Bioavailability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| R-Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) | High | Optimal form — the naturally occurring R-enantiomer is more biologically active and better absorbed than racemic ALA |
| Racemic Alpha-Lipoic Acid (R/S-ALA) | Moderate | Budget option — 50/50 mix of R and S enantiomers; the S-form may actually antagonize some R-ALA effects |
| Na-R-ALA (Sodium R-Lipoic Acid) | High (stabilized) | Stabilized R-ALA — sodium salt prevents polymerization, a common issue with pure R-ALA |
Bioavailability: High. Best for: Optimal form — the naturally occurring R-enantiomer is more biologically active and better absorbed than racemic ALA.
Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Budget option — 50/50 mix of R and S enantiomers; the S-form may actually antagonize some R-ALA effects.
Bioavailability: High (stabilized). Best for: Stabilized R-ALA — sodium salt prevents polymerization, a common issue with pure R-ALA.