The Muscle Mag
Irish performance dietitians and nutritionists, when surveyed, mentioned that recommending nutritional protocols to support brain healing following concussion was limited by their knowledge and the lack of scientific evidence available. Some participants who did demonstrate an understanding of concussion recovery mentioned protocols such as carbohydrate reloading, reducing omega-6 intake, and supplementing creatine, omega-3 fish oils high in DHA, and probiotics, but this knowledge was not commonly displayed.
Researchers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway, Ireland, highlighted that the implementation of nutrition can be overlooked or carried out with uncertainty, potentially hindering athletes’ recovery after sports-related concussions. The report concluded that there is a need for research to uncover safe and practical nutritional protocols to aid in the recovery and return to play for athletes.
Dr. Lisa Ryan, the lead researcher, expressed her surprise at the lack of focus on the role of nutrition in brain health concerning concussion management and recovery. This study represents a step in building knowledge in this area for the Irish Concussion Research Centre (ICRC).
Dr. Ryan mentioned that the research team has conducted qualitative research in male and female rugby players, identifying gastrointestinal complaints post-concussion that often go unnoticed. The researchers believe that the gut-brain connection may be significant in brain injury recovery, suggesting a potential role for targeted probiotics in alleviating concussion symptoms.
Concussion Prevalence and Nutrition
Sport-related concussions (SRCs), also known as mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBIs), are prevalent, with millions of cases reported annually in the United States. Due to the subjective nature of these injuries, many go undiagnosed or unreported, especially in contact and collision sports. DHA, vitamin D, magnesium, and creatine have all been suggested to play roles in brain recovery following concussions and should be explored further in preventive and post-SRC protocols.
The Survey
Seventeen Irish performance dietitians and nutritionists participated in in-depth interviews, revealing varied levels of nutrition practices to support recovery following acute SRC diagnosis. Some participants mentioned implementing novel nutrition protocols, such as creatine supplementation, omega-3 intake, and carbohydrate loading. Poor communication and lack of awareness among practitioners highlighted the importance of education and research to develop safe and effective nutritional protocols for concussion recovery.
