Supports metabolic and antioxidant activity
NA-R-ALA is a stabilized, highly absorbable form of alpha-lipoic acid. It’s used in supplements to support metabolic health and antioxidant activity. Think energy, cell health, and a little extra help for your body’s defenses.
About NA-R-ALA
What is NA-R-ALA?
NA-R-ALA stands for sodium R-alpha lipoate. That “R” matters – it’s the form naturally found in plants, animals, and your own cells. When you see NA-R-ALA in a supplement, it means you’re getting the more active version of alpha-lipoic acid, paired with sodium for stability and improved absorption. Standard forms of alpha-lipoic acid can degrade quickly, especially when exposed to heat or moisture; the sodium salt keeps it potent longer.
How Does It Work?
At its core, NA-R-ALA supports how your cells turn food into energy. Inside your mitochondria – the cell’s “power plants” – it helps enzymes convert glucose to ATP (the energy currency you spend with every breath, blink, or workout). Beyond that, NA-R-ALA acts as a broad-spectrum antioxidant. It can dissolve in both water and fat environments, so it helps protect pretty much every part of your cells from oxidative stress.
Why the “R” Form?
Synthetic alpha-lipoic acid includes both “R” and “S” isomers mixed together, but only the “R” type matches what your body naturally makes and uses. That’s why many biohackers and nutrition experts prefer NA-R-ALA; it simply works more effectively with our biology.
Uses and Combinations
You’ll find NA-R-ALA in formulas aimed at supporting metabolism, cognitive performance, liver function, and healthy aging. It’s sometimes combined with other antioxidants—vitamin E or C—because it may help recycle them, keeping the whole system running smoother.
Related Products
Formulated With
Learn about other ingredients that NA-R-ALA is used alongside throughout the LVLUP range.
Detailed Information
Biochemical Role of NA-R-ALA
NA-R-ALA (sodium R-alpha lipoate) represents the naturally occurring enantiomer of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) conjugated to sodium for enhanced chemical stability and gastrointestinal absorption. R-alpha lipoic acid functions as an essential cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes within mitochondrial oxidative decarboxylation pathways. This involvement underpins its role in catalyzing carbohydrate-derived acetyl-CoA production for entry into the citric acid cycle.
Antioxidant Mechanisms
The antioxidant properties of NA-R-ALA arise from its capacity to undergo redox cycling between oxidized (lipoic acid) and reduced (dihydrolipoic acid) states. This dual solubility enables direct neutralization of reactive oxygen species within both hydrophilic and lipophilic cellular compartments. Additionally, R-ALA has demonstrated capacity to regenerate endogenous antioxidants (glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E), chelate transition metals implicated in Fenton chemistry, and modulate expression of genes regulating inflammatory pathways.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that sodium salt stabilization significantly increases plasma bioavailability relative to racemic ALA by reducing gastrointestinal degradation and facilitating more predictable systemic uptake. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 30–60 minutes post-ingestion; elimination half-life is typically less than 2 hours. Biochemical selectivity for R-enantiomer-specific mitochondrial uptake further supports its preferential use over synthetically blended ALA products containing both R- and S-enantiomers.
