Best Supplements for Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery

Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, and other substances your body relies on. While you get most of the nutrients from foods, nutritional supplements can help you increase your intake of specific nutrients. Supplements come in many forms, including the following: 

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Powders
• Gummies

Many have well-established health benefits. In fact, some can support brain function or aid in healing after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, always talk to a healthcare provider before taking supplements to make sure they’re safe and will be beneficial. 

Our multidisciplinary team at Delaware NeuroRehab in Dover, Newark, and Lewes, Delaware, specializes in treating concussions and other TBIs using multiple approaches to give you the best possible outcome. We can answer your questions about dietary supplements and how to take them. 

TBI recovery can be unpredictable, but supplements help set the stage for neural healing and rewiring. Here are the best supplements for supporting your recovery: 

1. Omega-3 fish oil supplements

Omega-3 fish oil supplements are helpful for brain function. Typically, these supplements contain two fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

You can get these nutrients from eating fish. However, people who don’t eat fish or don’t eat fish often might not get enough of these fatty acids.  

EPA and DHA support brain development in the womb and are also important for brain health throughout your life. They can help decrease memory loss and improve brain function. Plus, for people with TBIs, they reduce inflammation in the brain. 

2. Vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D supplements also show benefits for people recovering after concussions and brain injuries. Unique from other vitamins, you can get vitamin D from spending time in the sunshine. You can also get it from oily fish, egg yolks, and other food sources. 

Your brain is full of vitamin D receptors. In your brain, vitamin D can reduce inflammation and support neurons (brain cells). This can help you recover after a concussion or TBI. 

Babies born to mothers with vitamin D deficiencies are more likely to develop hypoxic (oxygen-lacking) brain injuries, suggesting that vitamin D plays a preventive role in some brain injuries, too. 

3. B Vitamins

Vitamins B2, B3, and B6 can help heal damage in your brain after a TBI while reducing oxidative stress related to brain injuries. Oxidative stress can damage brain cells when they’re exposed to inflammation. B vitamins also support brain cell function. 

Aside from supplements, you can get B vitamins from dietary sources like eggs, dairy, spinach, and other leafy greens, as well as organ meats like liver. 

Other vitamins with the potential for brain recovery support

Other nutritional supplements may offer support for your concussion or TBI recovery, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits. These include:

• Creatine
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Coenzyme Q10

Talk to our team at Delaware NeuroRehab to make sure dietary supplements are safe for you. 

If you have a concussion or TBI and want to learn more about how supplements can support your recovery, get in touch with our team. Call Delaware NeuroRehab or request an appointment online today.