Product Detailed Description

Liposomal Alpha-Lipoic Acid 70% — High Bioavailability Mitochondrial Antioxidant Supplement

Product Overview

liposomal Alpha-Lipoic Acid 70% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Alpha-lipoic acid (CAS 1077-28-7 for the racemic form; CAS 1200-22-2 for R-lipoic acid), also known as thioctic acid or 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid, is a disulfide-containing compound derived from octanoic acid that is synthesized in the mitochondria and found in microorganisms, plants, and animals. The molecule contains two sulfur atoms (at C6 and C8) connected by a disulfide bond. Once inside a cell, the disulfide bond can be reduced to form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), a potent antioxidant.

ALA exists as two enantiomers: R-lipoic acid (RLA), which occurs naturally, and S-lipoic acid (SLA), which is produced synthetically. The R enantiomer is biologically active and demonstrates higher plasma concentrations than the S enantiomer.

ALA was originally isolated from bovine liver by Reed et al. in 1951 and was once considered a vitamin. Subsequently, it was found that ALA is not a vitamin and is synthesized by plants and animals. It is a necessary cofactor for mitochondrial α-ketoacid dehydrogenases, and thus serves a critical role in mitochondrial Energy Metabolism.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional ALA presents significant formulation challenges. ALA has poor water solubility and heat sensitivity, which further challenges its delivery. Following oral administration, ALA is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but its oral bioavailability is limited. A pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers using an enantioselective HPLC assay reported absolute bioavailability (Fabs) of 38±15% for R(+)-α-LA and 28±14% for S(−)-α-LA from an oral solution. The plasma half-life of both enantiomers is short, approximately 0.32–0.37 hours.

Liposomal encapsulation provides three critical advantages:

1. Gastric Protection — The phospholipid bilayer shields ALA from gastric acid degradation and premature metabolism during digestive transit. An RLA-loaded liposomal system (LIP/RLA) significantly prevented the degradation of RLA under acidic conditions (pH 1.2) and simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.5). This improved dissolution behavior and gastrointestinal stability of RLA contribute to increasing the systemic exposure after oral administration.

2. Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Bioavailability — liposomes fuse directly with intestinal cell membranes, facilitating efficient cellular delivery. In a rat model, after oral administration of LIP/RLA (10 mg-RLA/kg), the systemic exposures of RLA and DHLA increased by 2.8-fold and 5.8-fold, respectively, compared to free RLA.

3. Sustained Release — Liposomal formulations provide controlled release of ALA. In a release test under pH 6.8 with lipase, LIP/RLA showed relatively rapid release of RLA due to the lipolysis of phospholipids by lipase, supporting efficient intestinal absorption. Nanofibers derived self-assembled liposomes of α-lipoic acid demonstrated biphasic release of LA from the liposomal matrix.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to ≥70% alpha-lipoic acid by HPLC, ensuring consistent active content.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Phospholipid bilayer encapsulation protects ALA from gastric acid degradation and significantly enhances systemic exposure. Preclinical data demonstrated 2.8-fold and 5.8-fold increases in RLA and DHLA systemic exposure, respectively.

• Mitochondrial Energy Cofactor — ALA is an essential cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), key enzymes in the TCA cycle that provide carbon to mitochondrial energy metabolism.

• Universal Antioxidant — ALA and its reduced form DHLA meet all criteria for an “ideal antioxidant”: they easily quench radicals, chelate metals, exhibit amphiphilic character, and regenerate other antioxidants including Glutathione, vitamins C and E.

• Clinically Validated for Blood Sugar — A randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetic patients with neuropathy demonstrated that 600 mg/day of oral ALA significantly decreased HbA1c by 0.3%, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR, with significant reductions in neuropathy scores (P<0.001).

• Blood Sugar Metabolism Support — ALA has been shown to improve glucose handling, increase eNOS activity, activate Phase II detoxification via Nrf2, and lower expression of MMP-9 and VCAM-1 through repression of NF-κB.

• Water-Dispersible — Suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, and functional beverages.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

Clinical studies and commercial products commonly recommend 300–600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day. A randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetic patients with neuropathy administered 600 mg/day of oral ALA for 12 weeks, demonstrating significant improvements in metabolic parameters and neuropathy scores. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated ALA at 600, 1,200, or 1,800 mg, though it remains unclear if higher doses reliably lead to greater effects. For general antioxidant and metabolic support, 300–600 mg daily is commonly used. R-α-lipoic acid (the naturally occurring enantiomer) is biologically active and has higher plasma concentrations than the S enantiomer, making R-ALA-containing liposomal formulations particularly advantageous. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability.

Shipping & Lead Time

• Stock Orders: 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.

• Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.

• Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.

• Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.