What is OptimALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid?
"OptimALA is a novel and highly-bioavailable formulation of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). We take the extremely stable sodium salt of the active R-isomer of ALA, and combine it with a very bioavailable cyclodextrin complex of R-lipoic acid. This gives you two of the most potent and effective forms of R-ALA.* In addition, it contains a sesame extract that is high in sesamin. When paired together, this provides beneficial improvements in lipid oxidation, blood glucose, oxidation support, and energy metabolism.*"
Why is OptimALA the Best Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement?
OptimALA is our spin on the ideal alpha lipoic acid formulation. There has been lots of discussion surrounding alpha lipoic acid because alpha lipoic acid benefits have been found over and over in scientific studies. A lot of these studies indicate that alpha lipoic acid has some remarkable effects on oxidation throughout our bodies, however, these same studies have shown that it is actually fairly hard to utilize these alpha lipoic acid benefits. This is due to the fact that alpha lipoic acid is highly unstable and does not absorb well. This is then also highly dependent on which isomer of alpha lipoic acid you have on hand. Isomerism, which is a bit of a complex concept to think about, refers to what direction a molecule spins. Very generally speaking, a molecule can spin to the right (dextro) or it can spin to the left (levo). These can then be labelled as either R or S, which indicates their spin direction. When it comes to alpha lipoic acid, spin direction plays a crucial role in bioavailability and stability.
"In its sodium stabilized form, R-ALA can resist polymerization, and we can then enjoy the enhanced intestinal absorption of R-ALA when we supplement Na-R-ALA. Why stop there though? Natrium Health is always striving for maximizing benefits, and we weren’t happy with just Na-R-ALA, so enter cyclodextrins!"
The R-form of alpha lipoic acid, which is also referred to as R-ALA has great intestinal absorption in comparison to the S-form of alpha lipoic acid (S-ALA) which has highly limited intestinal absorption. At this point R-ALA seems like it would be the preferred isomer of alpha lipoic acid, however, it can easily be polymerized which negates the positive effects of alpha lipoic acid. This means that R-ALA, in order to be utilized to its full potential, needs to be protected from polymerization. There are a few ways in which this can be done, the most straightforward method is to bind R-ALA to sodium which yields Na-R-ALA. In its sodium stabilized form, R-ALA can resist polymerization, and we can then enjoy the enhanced intestinal absorption of R-ALA when we supplement Na-R-ALA. Why stop there though? Natrium Health is always striving for maximizing benefits, and we weren’t happy with just Na-R-ALA, so enter cyclodextrins!
What are Cyclodextrins?
"To make a more realistic and effective product, we decided to blend Na-R-ALA and cyclodextrin ALA together into one supplement. This way, we can ensure we are getting lots of alpha lipoic acid in two highly bioavailable forms without needlessly elevating the cost of the product."
Cyclodextrins are a type of starch that creates a sphere in which we are able to load molecules such as alpha lipoic acid. By loading cyclodextrins full of R-ALA, we can give it a protective coating that not only increases its stability, but also enhances its bioavailability. It took us a while to find such a specialized formulation of R-ALA, but after a lot of digging, we finally found our ultimate R-ALA supplement: cyclodextrin R-ALA. It is much more bioavailable and stable than even Na-R-ALA. However, it is quite expensive and a hard powder to work with. To make a more realistic and effective product, we decided to blend Na-R-ALA and cyclodextrin ALA together into one supplement. This way, we can ensure we are getting lots of alpha lipoic acid in two highly bioavailable forms without needlessly elevating the cost of the product.
Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits
That all sounds great, right? However, all we really created at this point was just a combination of two highly bioavailable and stable alpha lipoic acids. This by itself is going to give you all of the alpha lipoic acid benefits you could imagine, which may include:
- Promoting healthy levels of oxidation*
- Promoting mitochondrial function*
- Promoting cellular energy levels*
- Supporting brain health*
- Helps bind to heavy metals in our bodies*
- Helps enhance metabolic function*
Let's be honest though. On its own, Alpha Lipoic Acid is somewhat of a boring subject and concept. So, we decided to add something most of us are probably already familiar with: sesame seed. Not just any kind of sesame seed though! In fact, we added a highly standardized sesame seed extract that is very high in two sesame lignans called sesamin and sesamolin. These two remarkable compounds have a wide array of effects that appear to synergize well with the effects of alpha lipoic acid. Sesamin benefits include:
- Helps promote weight loss and specifically fat loss*
- Helps promote healthy metabolic function*
- Helps preserve vitamin E levels*
- Helps promote healthy levels of oxidation*
- Helps promote optimal mitochondrial function*
- Helps promote healthy levels of inflammation*
- Helps promote brain health*
As can be seen above, sesamin benefits are plentiful and a lot of the sesamin benefits listed above mesh well with alpha lipoic acid benefits. In fact, the combination of alpha lipoic acid and sesamin has been shown to enhance each other effects, especially when it comes to fat loss and the optimization of our metabolic process.
Anecdotally, we have found OptimALA to be a great enhancer of overall energy levels.* This is likely due to the fact that OptimALA can help enhance mitochondrial function by utilizing alpha lipoic acid benefits and sesamin benefits.* Furthermore, we have found that it can be great in helping aid recovery from exercise if taken a few hours after intense exercise.* OptimALA may also help attenuate the increased oxidative stress and inflammation, whilst also boosting metabolic function.*
What Else Makes OptimALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid Unique?
OptimALA Capsules are made in the USA with US and imported ingredients. OptimALA is gluten free, non-GMO and made with all natural ingredients.
OptimALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid Suggested Use
As a dietary supplement, take 1 OptimALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid capsule up to 2 times daily.
OptimALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid Reviews
To gain more insight, read the OptimALA reviews and user experiences on the "Reviews" tab located above.
Where to Buy OptimALA Optimized Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement
Nootropics Depot offers OptimALA Alpha Lipoic Acid capsules by Natrium Health in your choice of a 30 count or 60 count jar.
*Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |