Support For Concussion Recovery Could Lie In Pantry
Griffith University researchers found that sports dietitians are increasingly using nutritional supplements like fish oil and creatine to manage concussions in elite athletes. While practitioners report positive results, experts emphasize the need for more rigorous clinical evidence to standardize these treatments.
Why it matters
As concussion awareness grows in contact sports, finding evidence-based nutritional interventions is critical for long-term athlete health.
Nutrition strategies for concussion management are being implemented by dietitians to support Australia's elite collision sport athletes, new Griffith University research has found.
Lead author Dr Nathan Delang interviewed 14 Accredited Sports Dietitians who work across professional AFL, Rugby League, and Rugby Union teams to explore their practices and perspectives relating to concussion management.
"Concussion is so common in contemporary professional collision sports, typically once every three games, so it's important to ensure optimal support is provided for athletes," Dr Delang said.
"Most sports dietitians provided nutrition support either before and/or after concussion, with fish oil and creatine monohydrate the most commonly recommended supplements.
"Fish oil and creatine might support concussion recovery through several mechanisms from mitigating excessive neuroinflammation through to enhancing the availability of energy for supporting brain recovery and returning to exercise.
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