Supplements to Support Brain Health and Recovery
Please note if you have a health condition or are taking other medication to check with your physician and pharmacist before taking supplements.
Following a concussion injury your brain requires more support to produce energy which our diet can not always do effectively due to the extra energy required to recover from the injury.
Evidence has shown that the below supplements can help to support recovery following your injury:
Magnesium – Following a concussion, magnesium has an important role to play within the brain and assists in the production of brain energy. Magnesium can also support sleep quality, which is a key factor for brain health and recovery following concussion. Â
Adult dose – 400 – 600mg
NAC – has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps support immune function and cell recovery. Evidence shows when taken within 24 hours of an injury there is improved symptom scores at 7 days.
Adult dose – 1200 – 2000mg per day – split doses taken away from food for best absorptionÂ
Creatine – Is involved in energy production for cells within your body and brain. It has been shown to assist brain energy and function, which may support recovery following a brain injury.
Dose – 10g – daily pre and post injury
Vit D – Ensuring you are not deficient in Vitamin D can support your recovery following a concussion. If you work indoors or don’t get out in the sunlight, especially during winter, Vitamin D supplementation should be considered. It can be worth asking your doctor for a blood test to check your levels.Â
Dose – 1000IU best combined with Vit K for absorption.
Top Tip
Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet or standard concussion management. Whilst taking these supplements post injury can help optimise your recovery. Ideally, you should consider taking these during your competition season and whilst training to support your body’s brain health and recovery.