The role of nutrition in mild traumatic brain injury rehabilitation for service members and veterans.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to summarize the evidence for nutritional interventions, including antioxidants, in improving mild TBI outcomes and gut microbiota changes, with special considerations for Service members and Veterans.
Results Summary
The study suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants, along with other nutrients, may offer neuroprotection and benefit during mild TBI rehabilitation, though more evidence is needed to support specific recommendations.
Population
Service members and Veterans recovering from mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ketogenic diet | increase | mild TBI rehabilitation | patients with mild TBI | - | may offer neuroprotection or benefit | #1 |
Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet | increase | mild TBI rehabilitation | patients with mild TBI | - | may offer neuroprotection or benefit | #2 |
omega-3 fatty acids | increase | mild TBI rehabilitation | patients with mild TBI | - | may offer neuroprotection or benefit | #3 |
creatine | increase | mild TBI rehabilitation | patients with mild TBI | - | may offer neuroprotection or benefit | #4 |
vitamin D | increase | mild TBI rehabilitation | patients with mild TBI | - | may offer neuroprotection or benefit | #5 |
omega-3 fatty acids | no change | - | - | when taken within recommended guidelines | are generally safe | #6 |
creatine | no change | - | - | when taken within recommended guidelines | are generally safe | #7 |
vitamin D | no change | - | - | when taken within recommended guidelines | are generally safe | #8 |
whole food diet rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, probiotics, and fiber | increase | long-term health and performance | Warfighters | to optimize | recommends | #9 |
BACKGROUND: Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense (DOD) acknowledge that nutrition may be a modifier of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) sequelae. Military clinicians are considering nutritional supplements and dietary interventions when managing patients with mild TBI. Therefore, clinicians should be familiar with the current evidence for nutritional interventions in mild TBI and special considerations related to the military lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review aims to summarize the existing evidence surrounding the role of special diets and select nutrients in mild TBI outcomes, gut microbiota changes, and special considerations for Service members and Veterans recovering from mild TBI. METHODS: We conducted a literature review in PubMed and Google Scholar limited to nutritional interventions and nine topics with primary focus on mild TBI, although we included some articles related to moderate-to-severe TBI where relevant: 1) ketogenic diet, 2) Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, 3) omega-3 fatty acids, 4) creatine, 5) vitamin D, 6) weight management, 7) gut microbiota, 8) caffeine, and 9) alcohol. We summarized key findings and safety factors where appropriate for each intervention. We also identified nutritional supplement safety and operational rations considerations and areas in need of further research. RESULTS: Preclinical studies and early human trials suggest that the specific nutrients and diets discussed in the current article may offer neuroprotection or benefit during mild TBI rehabilitation. Omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, and vitamin D are generally safe when taken within recommended guidelines. CONCLUSION: More evidence is needed to support nutritional recommendations for enhancing neuroprotection and mitigating mild TBI symptoms in humans. The DOD's Warfighter Nutrition Guide recommends a whole food diet rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, probiotics, and fiber to optimize long-term health and performance.