Chronic stress, immune imbalance, and thyroid dysfunction are deeply interconnected. This forms a stress–immune–thyroid triad where each system influences the others, affecting energy, mood, and resilience. Research shows that targeted support—including adaptogens, micronutrients can help restore communication across this network. Rather than offering quick fixes, this systems-based approach addresses underlying feedback loops, combining clinical insight, patient engagement, and supportive lifestyle practices to rebuild physiological balance and improve well-being over time.
Laura Lewis, MS
As we age, many elements of our lives and bodies begin to slow down a little bit. Unfortunately, some of that slow-down occurs in our brains, thereby slowing our abilities to think clearly, remember clearly, or problem solve the way we could in our younger years. In fact, age itself is the most important risk factor brain health. [1] Alpha lipoic acid may have a role in supporting healthy brain function.*
Scientists know that the changes in cognition that often accompanies aging is most often the result of oxidative stress in the brain, as well as mitochondrial failure to provide adequate cellular energy. [2] Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species, or “free radicals,” build up faster than antioxidants can work to quench them.
It makes sense then, that ingesting antioxidants that can readily cross the blood brain barrier could help stave off some of the damage caused by oxidative stress. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation is one of many candidates that have been investigated for potential benefit.*
Antioxidants and Antioxidant Activity*
ALA (also referred to as lipoic acid, or LA) is a compound in some foods we eat, similar in structure and function to a vitamin, and shows promising nutritional support for cognitive health.* Some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are hydrophilic and only soluble in water. Some, such as vitamin E, are lipophilic and only soluble in fat. ALA, however, is amphipathic, meaning it has antioxidant activity in both fat and water, and it can cross the blood brain barrier allowing it to work in various tissues of the body.* [2, 3]
Mitochondria play a key role in healthy aging. As the cell’s energy producers, mitochondria support the energy needed for cellular function, renewal, and repair. Supporting mitochondrial efficiency and resilience can help maintain the integrity of cells and tissues over time which is foundational for sustained vitality as we age.
Mitochondrial Support*
Emerging research suggests it may be possible to restore mitochondrial efficiency, even later in life, through targeted nutritional support. Mitochondrial nutrients are a specialized category of compounds that are designed to nourish and protect these vital cellular powerhouses. They may help by supporting antioxidant balance, aiding in the repair of oxidative stress, enhancing key enzyme activity, and promoting optimal mitochondrial function for cellular energy, resilience, and healthy aging. [1]
ALA and the Brain*
By supporting mitochondrial health, we may be able to support cognitive vitality and healthy brain aging. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been classified as a mitochondrial nutrient.* [1] Mitochondrial nutrients have shown potential to support mitochondrial function by helping to delay or repair damage at the cellular level. This type of support may benefit not only brain cells but also many other tissues and organ systems, contributing to whole-body resilience and sustained cellular performance over time.*
Although a number of well-designed preclinical studies have published beneficial effects of ALA on cognitive function, very few have examined its effects in humans.* [2]
For example, ALA has been investigated in aging rats and protected against acute glutamate neurotoxicity in the rat brain by modulating mitochondrial function.* [4] In animal studies, ALA supplementation has been associated with reversal of changes linked to aging and various models of neurological stress.* It has also been observed to support multiple cognitive domains.* [2]. Spatial memory, governed largely by the hippocampus, plays a central role in navigation and the ability to recall spatial environments. Recognition memory, supported by the perirhinal cortex and hippocampus, is essential for identifying and recalling previously encountered objects or experiences. Adaptive learning, including responses to stress or threat, which involves the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and striatum, are key regions that enable behavioral flexibility and learning from environmental feedback. [2]
What Does ALA Do in the Brain?*
The mechanisms by which ALA acts on the brain are many. There is, of course, its antioxidative action, cleaning up free radicals that may be causing cellular destruction, but it also helps to recycle endogenous antioxidants. ALA also interacts with glutathione and vitamin C to repair and protect cell membranes, supporting the structure of cells.* [1]
Next, ALA supports glucose metabolism by enhancing glucose transport into cells and the activity of enzymes for mitochondrial energy production (contributing to its classification as a mitochondrial nutrient).* ALA chelates redox-active metals, which decreases the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products.* [4] ALA has also been shown to support the function of neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, and their receptors, which may underlie the apparent positive effects of ALA on cognitive structures.* [2]
Evidence from clinical trials that have involved humans suggests that ALA supplementation is well tolerated in most healthy individuals, although one clinical trial reported occasional minor stomach discomfort at very high doses.* [5] Due to its effect on glucose transporters, some suggest exercising extra attention and awareness when using ALA in individuals who monitor their blood glucose (blood sugar).* As always, check with your healthcare practitioner before adding a new supplement to your health regimen.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
Laura Lewis is a clinical researcher and science communicator with a Master of Science degree and a background in nutrition science and integrative health. She brings a decade of experience translating complex clinical data into accessible insights for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.
Laura has contributed to educational programming and strategic content development across the integrative and functional medicine space. Her strengths lie in evidence synthesis, practitioner engagement, and crafting communications that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and real-world application. At ARG, Laura supports clinical content development and educational initiatives that elevate practitioner confidence and product credibility.