Research has shown that nutritional status may change after sustaining a concussion. Among this, there is significant evidence demonstrating that nutrient deficiencies may prolong concussion recovery or intensify symptoms. In 2004, Health Canada conducted a nationwide survey to evaluate nutrient intakes for Canadians. Results revealed that many adults have inadequate intakes of various vitamins and minerals. Accordingly, evidence regarding dietary supplements during concussion recovery show great potential. For this blog post, we will explore specific dietary supplements that show promising results for concussion treatment.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids. There have been numerous studies investigating the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids during concussion recovery; you can find our blog post about omega-3 in the diet here. Specifically, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can protect against common consequences of concussions. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids can protect the brain against decreased plasticity and provide protection from oxidative stress. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can additionally help maintain cellular homeostasis and genomic stability, which is incredibly vital during concussion recovery. Most importantly, research has illustrated that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the amount of brain injury after sustaining a concussion.
Magnesium
According to Health Canada, many adults have inadequate intakes of magnesium. This is detrimental during concussion recovery as magnesium deficiency is associated with poor functional outcomes. Additionally, there is substantial evidence demonstrating that magnesium is pivotal during concussion recovery. In particular, magnesium interacts with other nutrients, thereby helping maintain cognitive performance and function. Magnesium may also help prevent neural damage and cell death. Furthermore, supplementation of magnesium in animal studies has shown to improve memory and sensorimotor functioning, following a concussion. Due to this, researchers have begun further investigating the potential benefits of magnesium.
Coenzyme Q10
As previously written in an older blog post, migraines are the most common symptom of concussions. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 is regularly used to treat and prevent migraines. Researchers and healthcare professionals have concluded that coenzyme Q10 can decrease the frequency and duration of migraines. Thus, coenzyme Q10 supplementation may be beneficial after sustaining a concussion. Results from animal studies have additionally suggested that coenzyme Q10 can prevent secondary brain damage that is frequently caused by concussions.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 supplements are also regularly used to prevent and treat migraines. This is substantially advantageous during concussion recovery as migraines are a debilitating concussion symptom that decreases quality of life. Towards this, regular intake of vitamin B2 supplements can significantly reduce pain intensity, duration, and frequency of migraines. Moreover, migraines commonly last for several days and vitamin B2 may help reduce the number of migraine days.
Vitamin D
Nationwide data has exhibited that many Canadian adults have inadequate intake of vitamin D. This is especially prevalent in older adults. Hence why, Health Canada recommends a daily vitamin D supplement for adults over the age of 50. In addition, evidence from animal studies have revealed that Vitamin D can reduce neuronal injury and inflammation after sustaining a concussion.
Conclusions
Research has shown that supplements have great potential for concussion recovery. Supplements may be particularly beneficial for people who struggle to adequately intake vitamins and minerals from food. In conjunction with this, nutritional interventions must be considered to ensure a holistic concussion treatment plan. Furthermore, dietary supplements could complement current concussion management plans. Thus, further research must be conducted to better understand the role of dietary supplements during concussion recovery.
Written by Dorothy Dinh
References
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Health Canada. (2012, March 15). Do Canadian Adults Meet Their Nutrient Requirements Through Food Intake Alone? https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-nutrition-surveillance/health-nutrition-surveys/canadian-community-health-survey-cchs/canadian-adults-meet-their-nutrient-requirements-through-food-intake-alone-health-canada-2012.html
Health Canada. (2020, July 8). Vitamin D and Calcium: Updated Dietary Reference Intakes. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/vitamins-minerals/vitamin-calcium-updated-dietary-reference-intakes-nutrition.html
Kalayci, M., Unal, M. M., Gul, S., Acikgoz, S., Kandemir, N., Hanci, V., Edebali, N., & Acikgoz, B. (2011). Effect of coenzyme Q.sub.10 on ischemia and neuronal damage in an experimental traumatic brain-injury model in rats. BMC Neuroscience, 12, 75. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2202-12-75
Lawrence, D. W., & Sharma, B. (2016). A review of the neuroprotective role of vitamin D in traumatic brain injury with implications for supplementation post-concussion. Brain Injury, 30(8), 960-968. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2016.1147081
Sazali, S., Badrin, S., Norhayati, M. N., & Idris, N. S. (2021). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine-a meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 11(1), e039358-e039358. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039358
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