Nutritional Interventions to Support Acute MTBI Recovery

Overview

Journal Front Nutr

Specialty Nutritional Sciences

Date 2022 Oct 31

PMID 36313085

Authors

Emma Finnegan

Ed Daly

Alan J Pearce

Lisa Ryan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Methods: Databases CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception until January 6, 2021; 4,848 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, this systematic review included 11 full papers.

Results: Patients that consumed enough food to meet calorie and macronutrient (protein) needs specific to their injury severity and sex within 96 h post mTBI had a reduced length of stay in hospital. In addition, patients receiving nutrients and non-nutrient support within 24-96 h post mTBI had positive recovery outcomes. These interventions included omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), vitamin D, mineral magnesium oxide, amino acid derivative -acetyl cysteine, hyperosmolar sodium lactate, and nootropic cerebrolysin demonstrated positive recovery outcomes, such as symptom resolution, improved cognitive function, and replenished nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D) for patients post mTBI.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that nutrition plays a positive role during acute mTBI recovery. Following mTBI, patient needs are unique, and this review presents the potential for certain nutritional therapies to support the brain in recovery, specifically omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to the heterogenicity nature of the studies available at present, it is not possible to make definitive recommendations.

Systematic Review Registration: The systematic review conducted following the PRISMA guidelines protocol was registered (CRD42021226819), on Prospero.

Citing Articles

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Nutritional Considerations of Irish Performance Dietitians and Nutritionists in Concussion Injury Management.

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