Alpha Lipoic Acid
100 mg / 60 vcaps

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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is naturally produced in the human body in very small amounts, but it is also available through food sources. ALA is unique because it supports the body’s free radical scavenging systems and can function in both water and fat environments. ALA can also recycle the antioxidant Vitamins C and E, thereby extending their activities.

One of the most significant findings involves the unique absorption abilities of threonic acid – a metabolite of ascorbic acid. An article published in the October 2007 Medical Science Monitor provided some of the most convincing evidence of the compound’s unique absorption abilities. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study concluded that threonic acid had two very beneficial characteristics, First, it was shown to increase the amount of vitamin C that it is taken up by the immune system’s T-cells. Additionally, threonic acid was shown to increase vitamin C’s overall potency within the cells.

Based on these clinical studies and other scientific information, many loyal vitamin C users are now turning to threonic acid-containing formulas as a potent source of cellular protection. These findings, coupled with growing public interest in the potential of vitamin C metabolites, is what ultimately inspired NOW to develop AlphaSorb-C™. Realizing that absorption and utilization of vitamin C were key benefits that had to be provided by any new formulation, a theory was developed suggesting that vitamin C could be transported via active glucose transport pathways. This theory was found to be valid, and it was determined that said transport mechanism could be enhanced through proper formulation.

Human cell laboratory work demonstrated the benefits of AlphaSorb-C™ over ascorbic acid and a United States patent was applied for, specifically for the purpose of recognizing the compound’s unique mechanism of action. The efficacy of AlphaSorb-C™ is based on the unique combination of a non-acidic vitamin C plus certain metabolites, notably threonic acid and alpha lipoic acid.

The known benefits of non-acidic vitamin C and metabolites are combined with substances that stimulate vitamin C transport into cells, enhancing absorption into both the bloodstream and immune cells, while stimulating utilization by immune cells. Additionally, because of the ability of AlphaSorb-C™ to enhance vitamin C absorption via glucose transport channels, it is an ideal and suitable source of vitamin C for diabetics and those with blood sugar imbalances; individuals who traditionally struggle when it comes to maintaining healthy vitamin C levels.

Studies have determined that alpha lipoic acid may enhance the body’s ability to better utilize vitamin C in other ways, such as enhancing absorption through glucose pathways into cells, thus stimulating utilization in repair and protection activities.^* Finally, this innovative new nature-identical vitamin C formula from NOW is 100% vegetarian, and has been enhanced with synergistic bioflavonoids to ensure that its active constituents are well-absorbed and highly effective. NOW^® AlphaSorb-C™ is the culmination of ongoing advanced scientific research, and NOW’s dedication to improve vitamin C on a worldwide scale.

AlphaSorb-C™ is a patent-pending enhanced formulation that expertly combines non-acidic calcium ascorbate with the metabolite threonic acid, bioflavonoids (citrus bioflavonoids, acerola cherry, rosehips, rutin) and a specific ratio of alpha lipoic acid. This creates a unique product that meets the expectations of consumers, which is for their vitamin C to be gentle on the stomach and have better efficacy than pure ascorbic acid.

While sodium ascorbate shares many of these attributes, many consumers don’t like to take supplements containing added sodium, making that option less than ideal.

Additionally, the inclusion of alpha lipoic acid in AlphaSorb-C™ creates interesting synergies, both in terms of increased antioxidant activity and in the possible recycling of ascorbate back to the cells. This latter issue, the ability of alpha lipoic acid to improve the flow of ascorbate (as dehydroascorbate) via glucose channels into the cells where it can be readily “reduced” (reused as an antioxidant), is the basis of the patent claim. This research implies that cellular ascorbate status may be improved by the use of AlphaSorb-C™. The population with the best-known problem maintaining adequate cellular ascorbate status is diabetics; but it may also be an issue with pre-diabetics and possibly others who have blood sugar control imbalances.

This unique method of action, combined with the known benefits of mineral ascorbates, threonate (threonic acid) and bioflavonoids, makes AlphaSorb-C™ one of the top tier options on the supplement market today. Enhanced by a potential to help some of those most in need of ascorbate supplementation, there is no other product in this category with more potential.