I'm primarily a food first, supplements second kind of person. However, lipoic acid is a supplement I love to recommend. It's not something that you can readily find in food, but it does a whole lot of good, especially in the brain.
It can delay and prevent Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, in a variety of ways. It helps to increase acetylcholine levels. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter in charge of memory function. It helps to bind free radicals, preventing them from doing damage. It prevents the formation of proteins associated with inflammation.
Not a bad friend, is it?
The amount given in the two studies evaluating lipoic acid's effect on the brain was 600 mg per day.
Lipoic acid is also unique in that it has the ability to make other antioxidants more powerful. The authors of the article reviewed here suggested that in combination with curcumin, EGCG (active ingredient in green tea), and DHA (in fish oil and marine algae), lipoic acid could be a very powerful warrior in the fight against degenerative brain disease.
Hmmmm...anyone for some fish curry, with a green tea chaser?
Maczurek A, Hager K, Kenklies M, Sharman M, Martins R, Engel J, Carlson DA, Münch G. Lipoic acid as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008 Oct-Nov;60(13-14):1463-70. Epub 2008 Jul 4.
