Stereoisomers or enantiomers are different compounds with the same molecular formula and physical and chemical properties. Lipoic acid has R and S enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other. Consequently, the 3-D structure of the two is different, due to variation in molecular arrangement in space. Because of this variation one form, the R, rotates polarized light to the right, while the S form rotates it to the left.The alpha lipoic acid present in the Juvenon Cellular Health Supplement is called a racemic mixture and contains an equal mixture of R and S. The R form is the one that is synthesized by the body. The R form is the isomer utilized by the enzymes of the mitochondria for the conversion of food metabolites to energy. However, the S form does have antioxidant activity, and does not appear to interfere significantly with the R form, although this is not entirely clear.Virtually all of the human studies to date (going back some 35 years) have utilized the racemic mixture, which is more stable and considerably less expensive. It is not known whether the R form is in fact more beneficial to humans than the racemic mixture. In spite of claims by some that the S form interferes with the R form, there is no experimental evidence to support this statement. In fact, there is no evidence to date that demonstrates unequivocally that the R form is superior to the R/S mixture in promoting cellular health.Juvenon scientists continue to evaluate this question. When and if peer-reviewed research establishes that the R form, without the S, is a superior protector of cellular health in humans, Juvenon will offer a product containing only the R form.