The mechanisms by which ALA acts on the brain are many. 

1. Alpha lipoic acid boosts the production of acetylcholine, a brain chemical related to memory creation and overall brain function. Acetylcholine has an important role in enhancing alertness when we wake up, sustaining attention, learning and memory. ALA has also been shown to improve the function of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

2. Alpha lipoic acid increases glucose uptake in brain cells, providing you with a boost of mental energy. One of the ADHD brain defect is poor glucose metabolism. ALA increases glucose metabolism by enhancing glucose transport into cells and the activity of crucial enzymes for mitochondrial energy production. Alpha-lipoic acid is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body.

3. Alpha lipoic acid regenerates other antioxidants. ALA is a very powerful antioxidant. It’s ability to fight oxidative stress is many times more potent than other better known antioxidants. Because it regenerates other antioxidants that were depleted by the ongoing fight with free radicals, it allows you to use antioxidants Vitamin C & E, glutathione and CoQ10 already in your body over and over again. Low levels of glutathione are linked to many brain disorders, such as autism, ADHD and schizophrenia.   

4. Alpha lipoic acid improves cellular energy levels, which is the energy behind every single action that happens in your body, including your brain. Cellular energy is required for muscle movement, producing new cells, wound healing and thinking. The mitochondria is like the power station in your city. Every single cell in your body has many mitochondria to support its energy needs.

The mitochondria in each of your cells is the source of this energy. This ongoing energy production process is called the Krebs Cycle. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is an important cofactor to two key enzymatic reactions within the Krebs Cycle.

Mitochondrial function declines with age, meaning less energy is available for the brain cells. ALA can boost energy production in the mitochondria by increases glucose uptake in brain cells.

Alpha lipoic acid improves energy production within the cell’s mitochondria, aka the “power house.” This energy role may be one of the mechanisms involved in reducing dementia symptoms.  

Further evidence that supplemental ALA helps mitochondrial function is demonstrated by patients with mitochondrial muscle disorders whose strength and energy levels improve with ALA supplementation.

5. ALA may help with heavy metal chelation. Exposure to high levels of environmental toxin, such as heavy metal, pesticides, polluted air, water, etc increases oxidative damage to mitochondria in brain cells, which eventually leads to nerve cells and cognitive dysfunction. ALA chelates toxic heavy metals, while reducing inflammation, and cellular damage by heavy metals.

Studies show ALA helps clear neurotoxic heavy metals, including mercury. As you may know, mercury has been found in high levels in seafood as well as manmade products and can readily cross the blood-brain and placental barriers.

6. ALA crosses blood-brain barrier.
Another super power of alpha lipoic acid is that it can function in both fatty and water medium. Unlike other antioxidants like vitamin C works best in water medium, and vitamin E works best in fatty medium ALA can work in both aqueous and fat medium. Because it can function in both fatty and water medium, it can cross the blood-brain-barrier easily into the brain and eliminate cell-damaging toxins from the brain.

It is always good idea to get your nutrients from fresh organic food sources so you get all the extra antioxidants that comes with the natural food.

Most people who do not have aging brain function or Alzheimer’s disease, probably can get away with eating a healthy clean diet with food that are naturally rich in alpha lipoic acid.

Food sources of alpha lipoic acid:

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Carrots

• Brussel sprouts

• Organ meats
• Red meat

• Peas

• Spinach

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Yams

However, for those of you with poor memory or brain function, such as ADHD, brain fog, Alzheimer’s, supplementation with alpha lipoic acid is probably your best bet.

There is no recommended dose of alpha lipoic acid from the US Food and Drug Administration because the body can make its own.

In a study in mice, it was found that administration of alpha lipoic acid along with actetyl-L-carnitiine for a two-week period was found to improve memory in mice.

In another study for Alzheimer’s disease found that a daily intake of 600 mg alpha lipoic acid slowed the progression of the disease.

The results of these studies is likely related to the combined benefit of alpha lipoic acid in stopping oxidative cellular damage and improving mitochondrial function.

Juvenon Pro Cognition from Douglas Laboratories provides a unique combination of alpha lipoic acid, L-acetylcarnitine and alpha-GPC that improve focus and memory naturally. Get it from my exclusive store at 15% off retail price and free shipping on all orders $49.

Wellevate Store

No adverse effect has been reported on doses of up to 600mg per day for adults.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below. 

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

If you’re just starting out on this natural ADHD treatment journey and still in the research phase, check out my new book Eat to Focus. Inside this book, you’ll learn why your ADHD child is always hungry, why he or she seems addicted to milk and bread, the underlying causes of ADHD, and the most effective ADHD treatment that addresses all the causes to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and anxiety while improving focus and calmness in your ADHD child. 

Don’t forget to download your free gift 15 Quick & Simple ADHD-Friendly Breakfast Ideas before you leave.