Protocol · Neurological Health
Spinal Cord Injury Long-Term Health Support Protocol
Vitamin D and Calcium are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Spinal Cord Injury Long-Term Health Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (often higher doses needed; monitor levels) | Prevents osteoporosis from disuse; deficiency very common after SCI due to limited sun exposure | Not graded yet | |
| Calcium | Amount listed: 1,000–1,200 mg daily (from diet + supplements) | Essential for bone health; rapid bone loss occurs after SCI, especially below injury level | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; supports cardiovascular health (increased risk after SCI); may support neuroprotection | Not graded yet | |
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU daily | Supports gut health; neurogenic bowel common after SCI; may support immune function | Not graded yet | |
| Fiber Supplement | Amount listed: 25–35 g total daily (diet + supplements) | Supports bowel management; neurogenic bowel requires adequate fiber for regularity | Not graded yet | |
| Cranberry Extract | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg standardized extract daily | May help prevent recurrent UTIs, which are very common after SCI | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Supports wound healing (pressure injuries); helps prevent UTIs by acidifying urine | Not graded yet | |
| Protein Supplementation | Amount listed: 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day total protein (diet + supplements) | Supports wound healing; maintains muscle mass; adequate protein essential after SCI | Not graded yet | |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial function; may help with fatigue common after SCI | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of injury. Beyond mobility, SCI affects nearly every body system: bones lose density rapidly without weight-bearing, the bowel and bladder don't function normally, cardiovascular health is impacted, immune function changes, and skin is vulnerable to pressure injuries. Long-term health management is crucial for quality of life and longevity.
CRITICAL: SCI requires comprehensive, lifelong medical management by a rehabilitation medicine specialist (physiatrist) and multidisciplinary team. Key medical issues include: neurogenic bladder (increased UTI risk), neurogenic bowel (constipation, bowel program needed), bone density loss, pressure injuries, autonomic dysreflexia (T6 and above - medical emergency), respiratory issues (high injuries), cardiovascular disease, pain, spasticity, and depression. These supplements support overall health but are NOT treatments for SCI. Medical management, physical therapy, and assistive devices remain the cornerstone of care.
Vitamin D and Calcium* are essential because bone loss begins immediately after SCI (up to 40% loss in first 2 years, especially below injury level). Most SCI patients have vitamin D deficiency due to limited outdoor time. Fractures from minor trauma are common without bone protection.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* support cardiovascular health (cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in SCI), have anti-inflammatory effects, and may support nerve health.
Probiotics and Fiber* support bowel management. Neurogenic bowel is universal after SCI and requires a structured bowel program - fiber helps maintain regularity.
Cranberry Extract* may help prevent the recurrent UTIs that plague most SCI patients (due to bladder dysfunction and catheter use).
Vitamin C* supports wound healing (critical for pressure injury prevention/healing) and may help with UTI prevention.
Protein* is essential for wound healing and maintaining what muscle mass remains.
CoQ10* may help with fatigue.
Expected timeline: These supplements support long-term health. Bone protection should start immediately after injury and continue lifelong. Bowel management is ongoing. UTI prevention is a constant concern.