Potential nutritional therapies that could be of benefit in the treatment of TBI:

1. Curcumin: There is some evidence of improved motor & learning performance, blood–brain barrier integrity, cognition & reduced cerebral edema in brain injured animals.

2. Glutathione: There is some evidence that this nutrient reduces ROS levels & improves brain injury markers.

3. Zinc: This mineral is required in central nervous system enzyme functions. Zinc is released in the synaptic cleft of the brain where neuroreceptor activity is modulated. Excess release of zinc contributes to neural cell death. Zinc deficiency could exacerbate cell death in TBI. Patient trials with zinc show positive effects in severe closed-head injuries. More research is indicated.

4. Vitamin K2: This vitamin is neuroprotective.

5. Magnesium: This mineral is usually depleted in TBI. It could have a neuroprotective effect & decrease glutamate damage by regulating calcium entry into postsynaptic neurons.

6. Vitamin D: This vitamin binds DNA response involved in regulation of gene transcription, differentiation & neural function in the brain

7. DHA/EPA: Evidence shows an anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective benefit against brain injuries.

8. Choline: This is an anti-inflammatory & antioxidant that could support a decrease in calcium-mediated cell death, which is common in TBI.