NOW Foods ALPHA LIPOIC ACID 100mg with Vitamins C & E – 120 Veg Capsules
Looking for a proven cellular defender that works across your whole body? NOW Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg (Item #3041) combines a balanced, clinically studied 100 mg dose of pure Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) with synergistic antioxidant vitamins C and E. Unlike ordinary antioxidants that only work in water or only in fat, ALA easily operates in both environments. This unique quality allows it to reach nerve cells, cellular fluid, and fatty cell membranes with ease while recycling spent vitamins back into active circulation.
✓ Universal Water & Fat Soluble Defense
✓ Enhanced with 250 mg Vitamin C & 20 mg Vitamin E
✓ Supports Master Glutathione Production
✓ 100% Vegan & Non-GMO Formula
What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid and Why Is It Called the "Universal Antioxidant"?
In everyday life, our cells burn oxygen and food to create energy. A natural byproduct of this engine-like process is the creation of free radicals – unstable molecules that act like tiny sparks flying off a fire. If left unchecked, these sparks cause "oxidative stress," which damages cellular proteins, DNA, and delicate cell membranes. Antioxidants are your body's fire extinguishers, stopping free radicals before they can cause lasting wear and tear.
Most nutritional antioxidants are limited by where they can travel:
Vitamin C is water-soluble – it works inside blood and cellular fluid, but cannot easily penetrate fatty cell walls.
Vitamin E is fat-soluble – it safeguards lipid cell membranes and fatty brain tissue, but cannot work inside the watery compartments of cells.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is amphipathic – meaning it is freely active in both water and fat. It dissolves smoothly into every tissue, fluid, and cell wall throughout your system, easily crossing the blood-brain barrier.
The Antioxidant Recycling Network: When Vitamin C or Vitamin E stops a free radical, it uses up its chemical charge and becomes inactive. Groundbreaking research led by Dr. Lester Packer showed that Alpha Lipoic Acid actively donates electrons to "recharge" spent Vitamins C and E, as well as Coenzyme Q10 and glutathione – your liver's primary detoxification antioxidant. This allows each nutrient molecule to work repeatedly rather than being discarded.
Reference: Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. "alpha-Lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant." Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 1995; 19(2):227-250.
Target Health Benefits & Clinical Applications
While our bodies synthesize micro-quantities of ALA, natural output drops as we age. Supplementing with ALPHA LIPOIC ACID 100mg provides concentrated physiological benefits supported by extensive human clinical literature:
1. Healthy Nerve Function & Microvascular Circulation
Peripheral nerves are vulnerable to oxidative damage and decreased blood flow. Because ALA traverses both watery nerve cytoplasm and fatty myelin sheaths, it assists in neutralizing endoneurial lipid peroxidation. Rigorous multicenter clinical trials (such as the landmark SYDNEY 2 and ALADIN trials) established that lipoic acid supports healthy peripheral nerve signaling, comforting sensory nerves in the hands and feet.
Reference: Ziegler D, et al. "Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial." Diabetes Care, 2006; 29(11):2365-2370.
2. Cellular Glucose Uptake & Insulin Sensitivity
ALA acts as a metabolic modulator. Research indicates that it activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and promotes the translocation of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) proteins to cell surfaces. In plain English, this helps muscles take up circulating glucose from your bloodstream for clean energy production rather than leaving excess sugar in circulation where it can generate advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).
Reference: Rochette L, et al. "Direct and indirect antioxidant properties of α-lipoic acid and its positive effects in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases." Mol Nutr Food Res, 2014; 58(1):67-78.
3. Mitochondrial Energy Production & Cellular Vitality
Inside every human cell sit mitochondria – microscopic powerhouses that convert carbohydrates and fats into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy currency. Alpha Lipoic Acid serves as an indispensable coenzyme for two core multienzyme complexes: pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. Supplemental ALA preserves mitochondrial bioenergetics and protects mitochondrial membranes against age-associated decay.
Reference: Shay KP, et al. "Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: molecular mechanisms and actions on obesity and aging." Biochim Biophys Acta, 2009; 1790(10):1149-1160.
NOW Foods Laboratory Testing & Strict Contaminant Constraints
Not all alpha lipoic acid supplements are created equal. Unregulated online marketplaces frequently feature untested dietary supplements with hidden solvents, heavy metal contamination, or sub-potent ingredient amounts. NOW Foods eliminates these risks through one of the most advanced quality assurance operations in the nutritional supplement industry.
Operating from their state-of-the-art corporate facility in Bloomingdale, Illinois, NOW maintains in-house analytical and microbiological testing laboratories accredited to the international ISO/IEC 17025 standard by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Their team of analytical chemists, biochemists, and microbiologists conducts over 16,000 internal tests every month across incoming raw ingredients and finished goods.
Test Focus
Analytical Methodology
Quality & Contaminant Constraint Standard
Heavy Metals Screening
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Screens raw materials for toxic trace metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic) with detection sensitivities down to parts-per-billion (ppb). Exceeds USP limits and meets strict California Proposition 65 thresholds.
Verifies that every capsule contains the full 100 mg of active Alpha Lipoic Acid alongside stated quantities of Vitamins C and E throughout the entire shelf life.
Residual Solvents
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS / Headspace)
Confirms zero unsafe traces of synthetic extraction solvents (Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 solvents verified in accordance with USP <467> safety guidelines).
Microbiological Safety
USP <2021> & <2022> Microbial Pathogen Screening
Zero tolerance for harmful pathogens: Confirmed absent for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, with strict limits on yeast, mold, and total aerobic plate counts.
NOW Foods' facilities are fully current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certified through the Natural Products Association (NPA 'A' Rating) and UL Solutions, ensuring continuous compliance with 21 CFR Part 111.
Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredient Listing
Label accuracy verified against the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD #57138) and NOW Foods manufacturing records:
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Servings Per Container: 120
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
250 mg (278%)
Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate)
20 mg [30 IU] (133%)
Alpha Lipoic Acid
100 mg †
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), and Silicon Dioxide.
Contains Soy: Natural Vitamin E is derived from non-GMO soy oil.
Allergen Specifications: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a cGMP-compliant facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Because Alpha Lipoic Acid is biologically active and affects systemic cellular pathways, safe daily administration requires attention to timing and individual health conditions:
Suggested Daily Dosage:
Take 1 vegetable capsule 1 to 2 times daily. For highest cellular absorption, take the capsule on an empty stomach with a full glass of water 30 minutes before a meal. If you have a sensitive stomach or experience mild heartburn, take it alongside a light snack.
Blood Sugar Medication Interaction:
Because ALA naturally supports insulin sensitivity and cellular glucose clearance, individuals taking anti-diabetic medications (such as Insulin, Metformin, Glipizide, or Glyburide) must monitor their blood sugar levels closely to prevent hypoglycemia. Always consult your prescribing physician.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy (Levothyroxine):
Alpha Lipoic Acid can chemically chelate minerals and may alter thyroid hormone utilization or compete with levothyroxine absorption. Maintain at least a 4- to 6-hour interval between taking your thyroid medication and ALA.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Precaution:
In high doses, ALA interferes with pyruvate metabolism if thiamine levels are depleted. Individuals with chronic alcohol dependence or documented Vitamin B1 deficiency should ensure concurrent thiamine supplementation. Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing without physician clearance.
Why Purchase NOW Alpha Lipoic Acid from VitaNet, LLC?
Online supplement shoppers frequently encounter unverified third-party marketplace sellers who store heat-sensitive vitamins in uncontrolled warehouses or supply counterfeit inventory. When buying from VitaNet, LLC, your health and investment are protected by authentic retail heritage:
Serving Health-Conscious Customers Online Since 1995:
Founded in 1995 as an independent, family-owned retailer based in Hartville, Ohio, VitaNet®, LLC brings over 31 years of nutritional supplement expertise to every order[cite: 1].
We stand behind every bottle with an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee[cite: 1]. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will refund you in full and even cover the return shipping costs – even on opened bottles[cite: 1].
Authentic Factory Direct Stock & Climate-Controlled Storage:
Every bottle of NOW Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg (Item N3041) is sourced directly from certified manufacturing lines and held in our climate-regulated Hartville distribution facility to ensure maximum nutrient potency through expiration[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg and higher doses like 600 mg?
The 100 mg dose is designed for daily cellular antioxidant maintenance, mitochondrial support, and general metabolic balance. It offers gentle, steady protection that can be taken once or twice daily without stomach irritation. Higher doses (such as 600 mg to 1,200 mg) are typically reserved for acute clinical interventions under medical supervision, such as managing painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Why does NOW include Vitamin C and Vitamin E in this Alpha Lipoic Acid formula?
Vitamins C and E create a complete antioxidant loop. Alpha Lipoic Acid has the biochemical ability to "recycle" used Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin E (tocopherol), donating electrons so they can continue disarming free radicals. Providing these nutrients together creates a synergistic protective shield that guards both watery and fatty cellular environments at the same time.
How does NOW Foods test Alpha Lipoic Acid for contaminants and heavy metals?
NOW tests every production batch in their ISO/IEC 17025 accredited analytical laboratories in Bloomingdale, Illinois. They utilize Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect trace toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic) down to parts-per-billion limits, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm 100 mg active potency, and strict USP-aligned microbiological testing to ensure zero contamination from pathogens or industrial solvents.
Should I take Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg with food or on an empty stomach?
Alpha Lipoic Acid is absorbed most efficiently when taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water approximately 30 minutes before eating. However, some individuals experience mild stomach sensitivity or a sulfurous warmth; if this occurs, taking the capsule with a light meal or snack will alleviate the discomfort while still delivering consistent cellular support.
Does Alpha Lipoic Acid interact with prescription medications?
Yes. Because ALA helps muscle cells absorb glucose, it can enhance the blood-sugar-lowering effect of prescription diabetes medications, requiring blood glucose monitoring. Additionally, ALA can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications like levothyroxine; always separate the two by at least 4 to 6 hours and consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
