Lipoic acid is a natural antioxidant that helps in energy production and sugar metabo-lism. Alpha – lipoic acid consists of two forms with different properties. The R form (isomer) is made by your body and the S form is chemically produced. R-lipoic acid helps with inflammation and is responsible for lipoic acid’s antioxidant role. At the same time, it is more potent than a combination of the two forms, which conventional alpha-lipoic acid supplements typically contain.