R-Lipoic Acid
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium
R-Lipoic Acid
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(531 ratings)
Biotin 300 mcg
Score 55.0
This AOR supplement offers R-Alpha Lipoic Acid for antioxidant support and a modest 300mcg of Biotin. It provides general wellness benefits that can indirectly support skin health, but its lower Biotin dose and primary ingredient focus limit its direct effectiveness for targeted hair and nail improvement compared to specialized beauty supplements.
Quantity: 90 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (90 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Anti-Aging
Detoxification
Heart Health
Hair Health
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 55.0
This AOR supplement offers R-Alpha Lipoic Acid for antioxidant support and a modest 300mcg of Biotin. It provides general wellness benefits that can indirectly support skin health, but its lower Biotin dose and primary ingredient focus limit its direct effectiveness for targeted hair and nail improvement compared to specialized beauty supplements.
insights Analysis
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Premium's R-Lipoic Acid product is primarily an antioxidant supplement, featuring 450mg of R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (as sodium salt). This potent antioxidant is known for its ability to combat oxidative stress, which can generally contribute to cellular health, including skin vitality. The inclusion of 300mcg of Biotin, a well-known vitamin for hair, skin, and nail health, provides some benefit; however, this dosage is considerably lower than what is typically found in dedicated beauty-focused supplements that often contain thousands of micrograms. While reviews often praise ALA for its antioxidant properties and metabolic support, few explicitly highlight significant hair, skin, or nail transformations directly attributable to this product, especially compared to high-dose biotin alternatives.
- Contains R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant beneficial for cellular and overall skin health.
- Includes Biotin, a recognized ingredient for supporting hair, skin, and nail health.
- Comes from a reputable brand known for orthomolecular research.
- The Biotin dosage (300mcg) is significantly lower than many dedicated hair, skin, and nail supplements, potentially limiting its effectiveness for visible improvements.
- R-Lipoic Acid's primary benefits are not directly focused on the aesthetic aspects of hair growth or nail strength for these specific goals.
- Relatively expensive per serving compared to many higher-dose Biotin-only alternatives.
$24.61($0.27 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 24.61 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 30.77 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Some research suggests that biotin supplementation may improve hair strength and reduce shedding, particularly in individuals with an underlying biotin deficiency. However, robust evidence for significant hair growth benefits in healthy individuals without a deficiency is limited. It primarily supports the body's natural keratin infrastructure.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is frequently taken to support hair, skin, and nail health. It is also involved in various metabolic processes, helping convert food into energy. The effectiveness for these specific uses in individuals without a deficiency is an active area of research.
Scientific evidence supports biotin's essential role as a coenzyme in various metabolic pathways and its therapeutic use in treating biotin deficiency. For claims regarding improved hair, skin, and nails in healthy individuals, the scientific literature provides mixed results, often relying on smaller studies or anecdotal evidence rather than large-scale, controlled trials.
Several clinical studies have indicated that biotin supplementation can improve nail thickness and reduce splitting in individuals experiencing brittle nail syndrome. This benefit is thought to stem from biotin's role in the production of keratin, a primary component of nails. Results typically require consistent use over several months.
Biotin is an essential nutrient, and severe deficiency can manifest as hair loss, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms. Supplementation is most clearly effective in alleviating these symptoms when an actual deficiency is present. For individuals with adequate biotin levels, the benefits of additional supplementation are less consistently established by research.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
While there is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin due to its rarity of deficiency, an Adequate Intake (AI) of 30 micrograms (mcg) per day is established for adults. However, many supplements contain significantly higher doses, often ranging from 1,000 mcg to 10,000 mcg, particularly for those looking to support hair, skin, and nail health. Always consult product labels and a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning excess amounts are generally excreted by the body. While widely considered safe even at doses much higher than the AI (e.g., 5,000-10,000 mcg), extremely high doses have been shown to interfere with certain laboratory tests, particularly those for thyroid function and cardiac biomarkers, potentially leading to inaccurate results. It is advisable to inform your healthcare provider about any biotin supplementation, especially before lab tests.
The time required to observe noticeable results from biotin supplementation can vary significantly among individuals. For improvements in hair, skin, or nails, consistent daily use over several weeks to a few months is commonly suggested before any changes may become apparent. Individual factors like metabolism and initial biotin status can influence the timeline.
Biotin supplements can generally be taken at any time of day, with or without food, as preferred. Some individuals choose to take it in the morning with breakfast to help establish a consistent routine. Consistency in daily intake is often considered more important than the specific time of day for efficacy.
Biotin supplements are available in a wide range of strengths, often much higher than the established Adequate Intake. Common supplement strengths include 1,000 mcg (1 mg), 5,000 mcg (5 mg), and 10,000 mcg (10 mg). Some products may offer even higher dosages depending on their intended use.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, high doses of biotin supplements can significantly interfere with certain laboratory tests, especially those using biotin-streptavidin technology. This interference can lead to falsely high or low results for hormones, cardiac markers, and other analytes. It is crucial to inform your doctor about biotin use before any lab work to avoid misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
Biotin is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are rare when taken at recommended doses. Some individuals might experience mild digestive upset, nausea, or skin rashes, though these are uncommon. Due to its water-soluble nature, excess biotin is typically excreted from the body.
Biotin can potentially interact with certain medications, such as some anti-seizure drugs, which may lower biotin levels in the body. Conversely, high biotin intake might affect the metabolism of other drugs. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining biotin with any prescription medications.
While biotin is water-soluble and excess is typically excreted, very high doses can lead to potential issues like interference with lab tests. There is no established upper tolerable intake level due to low toxicity, but exceeding recommended daily amounts without medical supervision is not advised. Always discuss appropriate dosage with a healthcare provider.
Biotin is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, and adequate intake is important for fetal development. However, supplementing with high doses beyond what is found in a standard prenatal vitamin should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Current research suggests it is likely safe at recommended daily allowances for breastfeeding mothers.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Biotin | 300 mcg |
Sodium | 45 mg |
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid | 450 mg |
Categories
Biotin 40.0
While the product contains Biotin, its dosage of 300mcg is significantly lower than most standalone Biotin supplements available, many of which offer 5000mcg to 10000mcg. This makes it a less potent option within the 'Biotin' collection for those seeking high-dose Biotin benefits for hair, skin, and nails.
Goals
Skin Health 65.0
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that can protect skin cells from oxidative stress and support overall skin health, potentially contributing to a healthier complexion and reducing signs of aging. The inclusion of Biotin also supports skin integrity, offering a reasonable benefit for skin health within a broader wellness context.
Hair Health 45.0
While Biotin is included and known to support hair health, the dosage of 300mcg is considerably lower than the concentrations (often 5000-10000mcg) typically found in supplements designed for significant hair growth or strength. R-Lipoic Acid does not have strong direct evidence for promoting hair health, making this product less targeted for this specific goal.
Nail Health 45.0
Biotin is known to strengthen brittle nails, but the 300mcg dose is relatively modest compared to the higher dosages often recommended and found in specialized nail supplements for noticeable improvement. R-Lipoic Acid does not contribute directly to nail strength, limiting the product's efficacy for this goal.
Recommended Alternatives
96 Value 
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Doctor's Best
4.6
★★★★★
(7668 ratings)
Offers stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a significantly lower price per serving. While lower potency, it's excellent value for this high-quality form.
97 Value 
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid
California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5426 ratings)
Provides stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a much lower price per serving, offering exceptional value for this premium ALA form.
90 Value 
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(1465 ratings)
Offers R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a significantly lower price per serving, providing excellent value for an effective R-ALA supplement.
99 Performance 
Biotin 8 mg
Pure Encapsulations
4.8
★★★★★
(134 ratings)
While a different primary ingredient, Pure Encapsulations is a top-tier brand for purity and quality. If biotin is the key, this is a 'better' choice for quality assurance.
96 Performance
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Doctor's Best
4.6
★★★★★
(7668 ratings)
A highly-rated alternative offering a stabilized R-Lipoic Acid and Biotin blend from a very reputable brand, a strong contender if a lower dose is acceptable.
97 Performance
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid
California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5426 ratings)
Offers a highly bioavailable and stabilized R-Lipoic Acid and Biotin blend from a well-regarded brand, serving as an excellent high-quality alternative.
97 Budget
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid
California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5426 ratings)
Provides stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a significantly lower price per serving, offering a more economical option for this high-quality form.
96 Budget
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Doctor's Best
4.6
★★★★★
(7668 ratings)
Offers stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin from a highly reputable brand at a lower price per serving, making it a more budget-friendly choice.
90 Budget
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(1465 ratings)
Provides R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a much lower price per serving, offering a cost-effective option for this effective ALA form.
96 Value
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Doctor's Best
4.6
★★★★★
(7668 ratings)
Offers stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a significantly lower price per serving. While lower potency, it's excellent value for this high-quality form.
97 Value
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid
California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5426 ratings)
Provides stabilized R-Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a much lower price per serving, offering exceptional value for this premium ALA form.
90 Value
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
Jarrow Formulas
4.7
★★★★★
(1465 ratings)
Offers R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (100mg) and Biotin at a significantly lower price per serving, providing excellent value for an effective R-ALA supplement.
99 Performance
Biotin 8 mg
Pure Encapsulations
4.8
★★★★★
(134 ratings)
While a different primary ingredient, Pure Encapsulations is a top-tier brand for purity and quality. If biotin is the key, this is a 'better' choice for quality assurance.
96 Performance
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Doctor's Best
4.6
★★★★★
(7668 ratings)
A highly-rated alternative offering a stabilized R-Lipoic Acid and Biotin blend from a very reputable brand, a strong contender if a lower dose is acceptable.
97 Performance
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid
California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5426 ratings)
Offers a highly bioavailable and stabilized R-Lipoic Acid and Biotin blend from a well-regarded brand, serving as an excellent high-quality alternative.