Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Carnitine: from formulation challenge to scientific validation of MATRIS® solutions
In the modern nutraceutical world, few ingredients enjoy the same level of popularity and scientific attention as Alpha-Lipoic Acid and L-Carnitine. Widely used for supporting energy metabolism, mitochondrial health, glycemic control and neurological function, both are key components in formulations aimed at metabolic support and neuro-muscular wellness.
Two actives, multiple benefits… and not a few challenges
Despite their well-recognized benefits, the nutraceutical application of these ingredients poses important challenges:
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid is highly sensitive to gastric degradation and light, with an unpredictable intestinal absorption, subject to strong intra- and inter-individual variability.
- Carnitine, in its HCl form, is highly hygroscopic, with a strong taste and odor, often difficult to include in functional dosage formulations without negative sensory impact.
In addition, both suffer from low bioavailability and uncontrolled release, which can compromise long-term efficacy and tolerability.
The technological response: MATRIS®
IPS, through its SURACTIVES® division, has developed MATRIS®, a proprietary controlled-release microencapsulation technology capable of:
- Protecting the active throughout the gastrointestinal tract
- Optimizing intestinal release through a RETARD profile
- Masking taste and odor via an advanced multilayer coating system
- Improving physicochemical stability under challenging environmental conditions
These features have made ALA MATRIS® RETARD (75% active) and Carnitine HCl MATRIS® (70% active) benchmark solutions for metabolic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective applications.
Scientific validation: evidence from 3D model research
To confirm the full potential of MATRIS®, a recent study was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Vol. 26, No. 10, 2023), demonstrating the positive impact of MATRIS® technology on absorption and gastric tolerance, using an innovative approach based on human intestinal organoids and 3D in vitro models.
In particular, the publication showed that:
- Particles coated with MATRIS® technology exhibit a modulated and prolonged release profile, with significantly improved absorption
- A reduced impact on intestinal epithelial cells was observed, indicating better gastrointestinal tolerance and safety
- The study was conducted directly on Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Carnitine HCl, both in their raw forms and as MATRIS® formulations, confirming that the observed benefits are exclusively attributable to the MATRIS® system and open new possibilities for all active ingredients microencapsulated with this technology.
Versatile and ready-to-use formulations
MATRIS® versions are available for:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Stick packs and sachets
- Vials with cap dispensers
- SmarTTabs® for direct compression (preserving release profile)
Thanks to a wide range of functional dosage options, formulators can tailor their products with high precision, while maintaining an advanced technological profile.
Conclusion
In an increasingly demanding market, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Carnitine HCl formulated with MATRIS® technology represent the perfect synthesis of innovation and scientific validation, offering stable, well-tolerated, and highly bioaccessible formulations.
SURACTIVES® continues to invest in scientific research and collaborations with specialized laboratories to further validate its proprietary technologies applied to other key active ingredients.
📩 For more information, contact us or request our dedicated technical data sheets.
Note: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.
