Comment · Tue, December 17, 2024 · Nootropics Depot & Natrium Health
Alpha Lipoic acid urine has no smell... valid supplement?
Original post in this thread
Snowsunbunny · 1 points
I had a supplement of Alpha Lipoic Acid R-type and it would make urine smell a little like asparagus according to google that's typical.
"The Alpha lipoic acid in Nervive can potentially make your urine smell, much like asparagus does for some people. Although the strong sulfur-like smell in urine can be a little surprising, this effect is harmless. In fact, it is a sign that your body is processing the Alpha lipoic acid."
I got a new one and at the same dosage, there is no distinct smell like the former one. Does this mean this one is fake?
What they were answering
Snowsunbunny · 2 points
I contacted the company and they said that the good type the "R-type" does not produce the smell and that other companies simply pretend that they use the R-type when they don't. He quoted a doctor: ""Alpha Lipoic Acid can indeed produce an unusual smell to the urine. Specifically, it produces a potent sulfur-like smell (very comparable to asparagus). It isn't indicative of any damage to the kidney or bladder. Some other forms of ALA, specifically the R type of ALA reportedly doesn't have that odor."
Thoughts?
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Nootropics Depot & Natrium Health
We have not found that the enantiomer of ALA changes the smell. The only way to know if you have pure R-ALA is running it through a polarimeter. Also, R-ALA is very unstable. You need the sodium salt, Na-R-ALA, for it to be stable. R-ALA freeform will literally melt at 116*F, which summers here in Arizona get to. That's a good simple way at home for you to see if it is R-ALA freeform. Racemic ALA and Na-R-ALA will not melt anywhere near that low.