Protocol · Neurological Health
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Support Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D 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 Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 1 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 3–4 g EPA+DHA daily (higher DHA ratio for brain support) | DHA essential for brain structure; supports neuronal repair and reduces neuroinflammation post-TBI | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL) | Neuroprotective; deficiency common after TBI; supports recovery and reduces secondary injury
| Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Creatine | Amount listed: 5–10 g daily | Supports brain energy metabolism; may protect against secondary injury after TBI
| Grade C for Dizziness1 study · 35 people | |
Confirmed studies for Creatine (titles as PubMed lists them) | ||||
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily (enhanced absorption formulation) | Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; may reduce neuroinflammation post-TBI | Not graded yet | |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 1,200–2,400 mg daily | Antioxidant; may reduce oxidative stress after TBI; showed benefit in mild TBI | Not graded yet | |
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 400 mg daily (threonate form for brain) | Neuroprotective; often depleted after TBI; supports neural function | Not graded yet | |
| Melatonin | Amount listed: 3–10 mg at bedtime | Antioxidant; supports sleep recovery; neuroprotective effects post-TBI | Not graded yet | |
| B-Complex Vitamins | Amount listed: B-complex with methylated B12 and folate daily | Supports nerve repair and energy metabolism in healing brain | Not graded yet | |
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Essential for neuronal repair; often depleted after TBI | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) ranges from mild (concussion) to severe. After the initial injury, the brain undergoes secondary damage from inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy failure. This secondary injury continues for days to weeks and is a target for intervention. Recovery can take months to years, and some symptoms (headaches, cognitive issues, mood changes) may persist long-term, especially without proper management.
CRITICAL: All TBIs, including concussions, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Moderate-severe TBI requires emergency care and often hospitalization. Concussion management involves initial cognitive and physical rest, followed by gradual return to activity guided by symptoms. Multiple concussions increase risk of long-term problems. Post-concussion syndrome (persistent symptoms) may need specialist care (neurologist, concussion clinic). These supplements may support brain recovery but are NOT replacements for proper medical evaluation and management.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (especially DHA) are essential for brain structure and repair. Research suggests they may reduce neuroinflammation and support recovery after TBI. Higher doses (3-4g) may be beneficial.
Vitamin D* has neuroprotective effects, and deficiency after TBI is associated with worse outcomes. Optimizing levels may support recovery.
Creatine* supports brain energy metabolism and may protect against secondary injury. It's been studied specifically for TBI.
Curcumin* reduces neuroinflammation through multiple pathways.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)* is a powerful antioxidant that showed benefit in a military study of mild TBI.
Magnesium* (especially threonate form) supports brain function and is often depleted after TBI.
Melatonin* has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects and helps restore sleep, which is crucial for brain healing.
B Vitamins* support nerve repair and energy metabolism.
Zinc* is essential for neuronal repair.
Expected timeline: Mild TBI/concussion: most symptoms resolve in 2-4 weeks with proper rest and gradual return to activity. Moderate-severe TBI: recovery continues for months to years. Supplements support the healing process but aren't quick fixes. Be patient with recovery.