The science behind R-dihydrolipoic acid (RDLA) is truly extraordinary. RDLA is a very powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body; it is both fat and water soluble. This critical and unique property allows  RDLA to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed through the bloodstream (which is mostly water) to all cells of the body where it can diffuse through the cell membrane, which is made of fat molecules.

Once inside the cell, RDLA can neutralize tissue damaging reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide that contribute to oxidative stress in the body. And since the base structure of RDLA is a fatty acid, it is metabolized in the cell by a process called beta-oxidation. This helps to prevent unwanted buildup of RDLA in the cells that might cause side effects.

RDLA is both a chemical and biological antioxidant. This means that not only does it have the ability to directly neutralize damaging reactive oxygen species, but it greatly enhances the body’s ability to produce more glutathione- the principal antioxidant responsible for combating free radical induced oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage in the body. Oxidative stress has been linked to several diseases.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), the oxidized form of lipoic acid, is very different than R-DLA. While ALA offers many benefits, it is not able to directly remove unwanted and damaging reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide from the cell. RDLA is able to do this because it contains two additional electrons that alpha lipoic acid does not have. RDLA’s additional electrons make all the difference and is the principal reason why RDLA is a very powerful antioxidant; to neutralize harmful oxygen radicals you need electrons. RDLA, as a liquid at room temperature, is expected to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract much faster than alpha lipoic acid , which is a powder. As a liquid, RDLA is much more difficult to manufacture and encapsulate than ALA (a powder), but we here at Redox Bioscience know just how powerful and unique this natural antioxidant is, therefore we felt it imperative to bring to market no matter the difficulties.

Finally, RDLA’s powerful antioxidant capability suggests that it can protect mitochondria, and even reverse damage. Protecting your body’s mitochondria is very important because they are the powerhouses of the cell where 95% of the cellular fuel (ATP) used by the body’s tissues and internal organs is produced. This not only preserves the body’s ability to generate the energy it needs to stay healthy as we age, but also helps us overcome illness when more energy is needed and slow the aging process.

1. Jomova K, et. al. Reactive oxygen species, toxicity, oxidative stress, and antioxidants: Chronic diseases and aging. Archives of toxicology. 2023 Oct;97:2499-574.

2. Kıran TR, et. al. Oxidative stress and antioxidants in health and disease. Journal of Laboratory Medicine. 2023 Feb 23;471-1.