Anyone know what this is ?!?!

[Big Jroy]

Anyone know what the 'R' in R-Alpha-lipoic acid stands for? I know there is also and 'S' type, not sure what that means either.



Thanks!

 

[Golfer18--old]

Racemic. I think I spelled it right.

 

[jc21]

well this is just a guess cause i am not sure, but in chemistry R,S stands for the steriochemistry of the molecule. just means they are two different compounds. not sure how this relates to bodybuilding purposes.

 

[Big Jroy]

Thanks guys!

 

[gainerxxl]

The R and S isomeres (same molecule, slightly different structure) of many organic substances are like a mirror image of each other, just like your right and your left hand are mirror images of each other. You can turn them around as much as you want, they will never really be congruent.
As with most organic substances, such as amino acids, your body can only utilize one isomere. L-Glutamin, L-Arginin, L-carnitin are useful for your body, while D-Glutamin (an isomere) cannot be used.