Examples Of Vitamins For Concussion Recovery

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By Thomas Russell


A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury. Common causes include car crashes, falls from heights, assault and sporting related activities. Most persons that sustain this form of injury end up losing consciousness transiently. Long-term effects may include poor concentration, loss of balance and inco-ordination as well as memory lapses. Treatment is primarily conservative and recovery takes months or even years. There a number of nutrients and vitamins for concussion recovery that one may consider if they suffer the injury.

Traumatic brain injury invariably results in the damage of structural and functional proteins either directly or indirectly. The management of the condition should, therefore, take into account these important components. A kilogram of protein is needed for every kilogram of body weight of affected persons. Steak and eggs are among the best sources but they may not be tolerated by some patients due to the vomiting that usually come with the condition. Alternatives should be considered in this group.

Vitamin D is one of the most important components of bone mineralization. It is better known for its use in the prevention of rickets in growing bone. This vitamin has also been established to be beneficial when given to patients that have suffered from traumatic brain injury. In these patients, it mainly works by facilitating the production of a substance known as brain derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. The factor increases the survival of neurons that are damaged due to trauma or in the setting of metabolic brain injury.

One of the consequences of brain cell injury is increased stress at the cellular level. Cells require high levels of energy to be generated through a process referred to as oxidative phosphorylation. This lasts for an average of 24 hours and results in release of a considerable amount of free radicals. The articles are dangerous and could worsen the initial damage. It is important to supplement important antioxidants such as vitamin C and E to help in scavenging the free radicals.

Glutathione is another supplement administered frequently. Like vitamins C and E, it is also an important antioxidant that exists naturally in the body. Animal studies involving the use of this substance show that it significantly improves the prognosis of traumatic brain injuries when administered as an injection. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent injection to be used in humans and the oral formulations are not absorbed easily. However, when vitamin C is given, it increases its availability.

Magnesium plays a vital role in normal brain functioning. If in low levels, a number of neurological disorders will be observed. When given to patients on treatment for brain injury, it helps reduce the incidence of delayed injuries and what is commonly termed, the post concussion syndrome. After an incidence of brain injury, the levels drop to about 50 percent of initial concentration taking several days to be replenished. 600mg per day is what is required for supplementation.

The levels of zinc have been shown to decrease markedly following traumatic brain injury. This reduction is mainly attributable to increase filtration by the kidney. Studies show that the administration of supplemental zinc significantly improves symptoms such as cognitive and behavioural deficits which often follow this form of injury.

The importance of proper nutrition in the management of various types of traumatic brain injury cannot be overemphasized. The benefits of nutrition therapy are better realized when the diagnosis is made promptly. The mechanism of this therapy revolves around halting more damage and promoting the healing process. Various combinations of these supplements may be used depending on the underlying diagnosis.




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