Protocol · Neurological Health
Stroke Recovery Support Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Citicoline (CDP-Choline) 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 Stroke Recovery Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 4 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects; may support brain recovery and reduce cardiovascular risk
| Grade D for Apolipoprotein B102 people | ||
| Citicoline (CDP-Choline) | Amount listed: 500–2,000 mg daily | Supports brain phospholipid synthesis and may enhance neuroplasticity during stroke recovery | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–5,000 IU daily (based on blood levels) | Deficiency common after stroke and associated with worse outcomes; supports neuroprotection and bone health | Not graded yet | ||
| B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) | Amount listed: B6 50 mg, B12 500–1,000 mcg, Folate 800–1,000 mcg daily | Reduce homocysteine levels; may support brain health and reduce recurrent stroke risk
| Grade C for Stroke Risk47,921 people | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | Amount listed: 200–400 mg daily | Antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function; may protect brain cells during recovery | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400–800 IU daily (mixed tocopherols) | Antioxidant that may protect against oxidative damage; supports neurological recovery
| Grade D for All-Cause Mortality2 studies · 39,876 people | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports neuroplasticity and immune function; deficiency may impair recovery
| Grade C for Cognition1 study · 26 people | ||
| Creatine | Amount listed: 5–10 g daily | May support brain energy metabolism and potentially cognitive recovery after brain injury | Not graded yet | ||
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 120–240 mg standardized extract daily | Improves cerebral blood flow and has neuroprotective properties; may support cognitive recovery
| Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Stroke. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade D
- Grade C
- Grade D
- Grade C
We earn from purchases made in our Fullscript store, and links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Full disclosure
How this protocol works
In plain language
Stroke recovery is a long process that involves rehabilitation to regain lost function. While physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are the cornerstones of recovery, nutritional support may help optimize brain healing and reduce the risk of another stroke. The brain has remarkable plasticity—the ability to rewire itself—and proper nutrition supports this process.
CRITICAL: Stroke is a medical emergency. After stroke, medical management including blood pressure control, antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy, statins, and rehabilitation is essential. These supplements are ADJUNCTIVE to standard medical care, not replacements. Always work with your stroke recovery team.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids have anti-inflammatory effects and support brain health. After stroke, the brain experiences inflammation that can cause additional damage. Omega-3s may help reduce this inflammation and support the brain's repair processes. They also reduce cardiovascular risk, helping prevent another stroke.
- Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is a building block for brain cell membranes. After stroke, the brain needs to repair damaged neurons and form new connections. Citicoline provides the raw materials for this process. While large trials haven't shown dramatic acute stroke benefits, it may support longer-term recovery and cognitive function.
- Vitamin D deficiency is very common after stroke and is associated with worse outcomes. Vitamin D supports neuroprotection, immune function, and bone health (important given increased fall risk after stroke). Many stroke survivors are confined indoors during recovery, worsening deficiency.
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) lower homocysteine, an amino acid linked to stroke risk. High homocysteine damages blood vessels. B vitamin supplementation may help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, though this is still being studied.
- CoQ10 is an antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function—the energy production machinery of cells. After stroke, brain cells are under stress and need energy to repair. CoQ10 may support this recovery process.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect brain cells from ongoing oxidative damage during recovery. Use moderate doses of mixed tocopherols.
- Zinc supports neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire and form new connections. This is crucial for stroke recovery. Zinc deficiency can impair healing and immune function.
- Creatine supports brain energy metabolism. The brain uses enormous amounts of energy, especially when healing. Creatine may help maintain brain energy levels during recovery.
- Ginkgo Biloba improves cerebral blood flow and has antioxidant properties. It may help with cognitive recovery after stroke, particularly for problems with memory and thinking.
Expected timeline: Recovery is gradual over months to years. Supplements support this long-term process. Most improvement occurs in the first 3-6 months, but recovery continues beyond that.