Nootropics for Brain Injury Recovery Support

Nootropic supplements, also known as smart drugs*, are substances that can enhance cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.

These supplements are popular for their potential to improve mental performance and overall brain health.

Additionally, nootropic supplements may play a role in brain injury recovery, including mild traumatic brain injury, by supporting cognitive improvement and neural regeneration and function.

In this guide, we're sharing some insight on dietary supplements, especially those in the "nootropic" category, that seem to offer some promise for assisting with brain injury.

***Brain injuries of any kind are extremely serious medical emergencies, potentially even fatal.

Always seek professional healthcare immediately after any brain injury. Never make supplements a first-line therapy for brain injury. Only make supplements a complement to the recovery plan designed by your doctor, and only use them with your doctor's consent. Let's get to it!

(*In this article we're only discussing dietary supplements. Sometimes even dietary supplements are referred to as "smart drugs" even though they are definitely not pharmaceutical!)

Key Takeaways

• Nootropics may support brain injury recovery by promoting neuroprotection, enhancing cognitive function, helping in the repair of damaged brain cells and other beneficial bioactivities.
• Nootropics may be used alongside traditional therapies (under the supervision of your doctor) to assist with cognitive recovery and improve overall brain health after injury.
• Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any nootropic regimen, especially after a brain injury, to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Individual Nootropics for Brain Injury Recovery:

• Citicoline: Supports brain cell repair, increases acetylcholine production, and enhances cognitive function, making it one of the most effective nootropics for brain injury recovery.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA): Promote neuroprotection, may regulate inflammation, and support brain cell membrane repair; all may be helpful for recovering from brain injuries.
• Phosphatidylserine (PS): Enhances brain cell communication, supports cognitive function, and aids in neuroplasticity, which is vital for rehabilitation after injury.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), supporting brain cell repair and regeneration, potentially aiding in cognitive recovery.
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR): Supports mitochondrial function and energy production in the brain. It also has neuroprotective effects.
• Creatine: Used by many to increase muscle strength; has also shown potential to promote cognition and behavior in brain injury cases.
• Antioxidants: Brain injuries generate cell-damaging compounds called free radicals. Antioxidants help "quench" these cellular marauders and protect brain tissues.

Recommended Nootropic Supplements for Brain Injury Recovery:

• Mind Lab Pro: Ultraclean 11-in-1 "Universal Nootropic" formula supports both brain regeneration, sharp cognitive function, and overall healthy brain function.
• Performance Lab® Omega-3: Plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA) from algae. Brain health benefits without fish oil's fishy taste, gastric distress and eco-destruction.
• MCT Energy Oil: Supplying purified C8+C10 MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) from 100% organic non-GMO coconuts, it is a helpful energy source for brain regeneration.
• Performance Lab® Energy: Caffeine-free vitality supplement with ALCAR and other mitochondria-boosters to help power the energy-intensive task of brain repair.
• Performance Lab® Sleep: Sleep is key for brain recovery. This advanced natural sleep aid promotes the deep slumber your brain needs to rebuild.

Recovering from a brain injury is a complex process that can be supported by various nootropics, though it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any supplements.

Dietary Supplements that may help to support traumatic brain injury recovery

Below are some dietary supplement classes and specific nootropics that have shown promise in research for aiding recovery from brain injuries:

Citicoline

Brain injury can decrease the integrity of cell membranes and cause brain cell death. Choline has shown inflammation-regulating and antioxidant effects and can regulate neuronal cell death, which is relevant for brain injuries.

Citicoline is a supplement supplying choline that may even more effectively stimulate new brain cell growth, increase brain energy and help regenerate damaged cells, improving memory and focus - two common problem areas for people who experience brain injury.

Citicoline is currently used for stroke and traumatic brain injury in 59 countries outside the United States, including Japan and many European countries.

Although one well-known U.S. study indicated Citicoline may not be suitable for acute TBI (COBRIT trial), other studies show it may benefit the neuro-cognitive state of those with long-term TBI symptoms.(1) And yet more research indicates Citicoline may be effective for improving post-stroke cognitive decline.(2)

More on Citicoline

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

 

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid stored in brain cells that may hold potential to nourish the brain whether it is taken before or after a brain injury. DHA is a primary structural component of brain tissue, and EPA may have inflammation-regulating properties. Both these bioactivities support brain health and repair.

Some researchers have suggested that DHA intake may maintain cognition and protect brain cells in an impact-related traumatic brain injury; conversely, researchers suggest DHA depletion prior to TBI may worsen both motor function and cognition.(3,4)

DHA may help restore brain cell homeostasis after a brain injury. Some researchers have suggested that DHA appears to promote neurogenesis, which literally means the birth of new neurons (brain cells).(5)

While researchers suggest DHA may be a safe and easy to find supplement for helping those with TBI, they also emphasize that well-designed human studies demonstrating that benefit are still lacking.

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

It is one of the best nootropics for memory of many kinds: short-term memory, long-range memory, recall and more.(6) It has been shown to improve cognitive function in many other ways, too -- including areas that may benefit those dealing with brain injury, such as Stress reduction and mood balance.(7)

In a 2022 review, researchers noted that PS is safe and well tolerated, and due to its roles in nerve signaling, inflammation regulation and brain plasticity may be a promising supplement for helping to maintain brain health.(8)

But what about brain recovery after an injury? That's where phosphatidylserine's role as a phospholipid comes in. PS is a critical component of cell membranes, particularly in the brain; it also plays a role in cell energy. Like citicoline, in theory PS may help to support brain repair by providing both raw materials for regeneration and energy to power new growth.

Learn more about Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Lion's mane mushroom promotes the production of nerve growth factor (NGF): a natural substance that is vital for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons.(9)

In fact, optimal NGF levels support many brain pathways including plasticity, neural regeneration, cell-to-cell signaling, brain cell replication, neuroprotection and more. Sounds good for helping a brain injury, right?

In a 2023 clinical study, researchers focused on the mushroom's compound hericene A and found it to be highly effective in promoting nerve growth, which in turn may improve cognitive performance.(10)

This nootropic mushroom's benefits are attributed to its active compounds: hericenones and erinacines. Lion's mane mushroom's NGF-boosting bioactivities are rare among nootropics, but highly significant for brain wellness and mental performance.

Studies suggest regular consumption of Lion's mane may promote brain and nerve health, especially as a nootropic for brain injury.(11) It has also been linked to good cognitive function and a bright, balanced mood.(12,13)

Learn more about Lion's Mane Mushroom

L-Theanine

L-Theanine's neuroprotective properties and ability to induce attention-boosting alpha brain waves and calming theta waves make it a good candidate for reducing brain injury following TBI. And it's been linked to a lowered risk for ABI.(14)

While more human trials are needed in relation to TBI, one trial showed that administration of L-theanine and green tea improved memory and theta brain wave activity. Additional studies showed enhanced theta activity and better attention.

More on L-Theanine

Creatine

Creatine is used by many to increase muscle strength, but it also shows promise in improving cognition and behavior in brain injury cases, particularly in children and adolescents.

In fact, some researchers have suggested that "Based on results of both animal and human studies, creatine represents a promising nutritional supplement for increasing resilience to and treating TBI."(15)

These benefits may be linked to creatine's role in maintaining brain energy and blood flow, which are often disrupted after a brain injury. More research is needed to determine if these positive effects apply to adults and to identify the best timing and dosage for creatine use in TBI.

MCT Oil (Ketogenic Diets, too)

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is a type of fat derived primarily from coconut oil, and it has garnered attention for its potential role in aiding recovery from brain injuries.

The key mechanism lies in the fact that MCTs are rapidly metabolized by the liver into ketones, which can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain.

After a brain injury, the brain’s ability to utilize glucose can be impaired, leading to energy deficits that slow down recovery.

Ketones provided by MCT oil may help bridge this energy gap, offering an efficient fuel source for powering neuronal repair and function.

Additionally, some studies suggest that ketones may have neuroprotective effects, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common after brain injuries.(16)

While research is still ongoing, the inclusion of MCT oil in the diet might be a beneficial strategy for supporting brain health during the recovery process.

Ketogenic diets, which are high in fats and low in carbohydrates, have shown benefits for children with epilepsy and might also help with brain injuries by providing an alternative energy source when glucose metabolism is impaired.

However, there are concerns about whether such diets are practical for brain injury patients, especially outside of a hospital setting, where maintaining proper nutrition is critical.

Magnesium

Magnesium may play a role in protecting brain cells by regulating calcium and neurotransmitters after an injury. Despite this potential, there is not yet definitive evidence that magnesium supplementation improves brain injury outcomes. The timing of magnesium administration is crucial, and ongoing studies are expected to clarify its possible benefits when administered shortly after a brain injury.

Did you know? Magnesium has many forms. Magnesium L-threonate is one form that has been suggested to improve cognitive function, memory, and synaptic plasticity, all of which are crucial for brain recovery.(17)

Zinc

Zinc is essential for brain function, but too much release of zinc can lead to brain cell death. In brain injury cases, a zinc deficiency might worsen the damage. Research suggests that supplementing with zinc could be beneficial, and early studies in patients with severe brain injuries have shown positive outcomes with zinc supplementation.(18)

Further studies are needed to explore the full potential of zinc supplementation in brain injury recovery.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

ALCAR supports mitochondrial function and energy production in the brain. It also has neuroprotective effects. Both of these biological activities may help to preserve and regenerate brain tissues in the context of TBI recovery. ALCAR has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce neurodegeneration after brain injury.(19)

Antioxidants

Oxidative stress happens early after a brain injury, so antioxidants that reduce brain cell-damaging free radicals might help recovery. Using single antioxidants like vitamins C may be helpful, but some experts suggest focusing on combinations of antioxidants rather than single ones for the best support.

Polyphenols are a class of antioxidants found in many foods. Specific compounds like curcumin (found in turmeric) and resveratrol (found in grapes) have shown positive results in animal studies of brain injury.

Although these antioxidants haven’t been tested in human brain injury trials, they may have some potential for nourishing and protecting the human brain.

Did you know? Maritime Pine Bark Extract is an antioxidant supplement that supplies dozens of different polyphenols that work together as a team. It may be a good antioxidant choice for neuroprotection. Learn more about Maritime Pine Bark Extract

These supplements have been researched and used for cognitive enhancement and brain health, especially in the context of recovery from brain injuries.

However, individual responses can vary, and it's important to use these supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly in the context of brain injury recovery.

How do Supplements for brain injury work?

Ultimately, they may help people feel better a little sooner.

The brain is an incredible organ.

• It regulates all our involuntary functions like breathing, digestion, and blood circulation, and plays a crucial role in brain function.
• It helps us process emotion, communicate with others, and create new things and ideas.

With a healthy brain, we can meet everyday challenges and stressors with ease.

But when the brain is impaired, even a simple task can seem monumental.

Here’s where supplements for TBI recovery come in.

Nootropics may be beneficial for individuals with mild traumatic brain injury by supporting the brain's inherent capacity for healing and improving cognitive function.

These compounds may provide multiple benefits that support brain repair, cognitive clarity, and overall nervous system health. Let's dig into a few ways that the best nootropics for traumatic brain injury may work.

1. Supplying Building Blocks for Brain Repair

Nootrpics like Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and Phosphatidylserine provide essential components for the repair and maintenance of cell membranes in neurons.

After a TBI, neurons can suffer damage to their membranes, leading to impaired function or cell death. These nootropics supply the necessary phospholipids to help rebuild and stabilize these membranes, promoting recovery.

Compounds such as Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (especially DHA) encourage the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the formation of new synaptic connections (synaptic plasticity). This may help the brain to rewire itself and compensate for lost functions following a TBI.

2. Enhancing Cognitive Function and Clarity

Any nootropics that help cognitive function may also hold promise to assist with TBI recovery. Some areas of emphasis:

Memory and Learning Support: Nootropics like Bacopa Monnieri, Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), and Magnesium L-Threonate are known to enhance memory formation and retention. These compounds support neurotransmitter function and synaptic plasticity, which are essential for learning and cognitive clarity. This may help individuals with TBI regain cognitive abilities that may have been compromised.

Focus and Attention: TBI often results in difficulties with concentration and focus. Nootropics such as Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine (often used in combination with L-Theanine to reduce jitteriness) can enhance alertness and improve attention span, helping individuals manage day-to-day tasks more effectively.

3. Regulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Nootropics like N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Curcumin offer powerful antioxidant and inflammation-modulating properties. After a TBI, the brain often experiences a surge of inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen the injury and slow down healing. By helping to reduce these harmful processes, some nootropics may protect brain cells from further damage and create a better environment for recovery.

Nootropics such as Coenzyme Q10 and ALCAR support mitochondrial function, which is critical for energy production in brain cells. After a TBI, the brain’s energy demands increase, and mitochondria can become dysfunctional. Supporting these cellular powerhouses can enhance recovery by ensuring that neurons have the energy they need to repair and function optimally.

4. Supporting Mood and Emotional Stability

Emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability are common after TBI.

Nootropics like Lion's Mane Mushroom and L-Theanine may help balance mood and ease anxiety.

These compounds interact with neurotransmitter systems like GABA and serotonin, promoting a sense of calm and well-being, which is vital for overall recovery.

Chronic stress can hinder recovery by exacerbating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea and Panax Ginseng help the body adapt to stress, improving resilience and potentially speeding up recovery from TBI.

5. Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep is critical for brain recovery, and TBI often disrupts normal sleep patterns. Nootropics like Magnesium L-Threonate and Melatonin can help regulate sleep cycles and improve sleep quality, allowing the brain to repair itself more effectively during rest. Improved sleep also enhances cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being.

Modulating Neurotransmitter Systems

Enhancing Neurotransmission: Nootropics such as Citicoline and Tyrosine can boost the production of key neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine.

These neurotransmitters are essential for memory, attention, motivation, and overall cognitive function. By modulating neurotransmitter levels, these nootropics can help support cognitive functions that may have been affected by TBI.

Promoting Long-Term Brain Health

The brain remains vulnerable to further injury after a TBI, and nootropics like Maritime Pine Bark Extract (antioxidants) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help to provide long-term neuroprotection.

These compounds help with fighting oxidative damage and neurodegenerative changes that could worsen outcomes over time.

Nootropics that promote neuroplasticity, such as Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Phosphatidylserine (PS) and DHA, further support the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself, which is crucial for long-term recovery and the restoration of lost functions.

What is Brain Injury?

The term ‘brain injury’ refers to the occurrence of an injury to the brain which causes temporary or permanent damage.(20)

No two brain injuries are the same. Like fingerprints, the symptoms and recovery process for each individual can look vastly different from anyone else’s experience. A healthy diet is essential for providing vitamins and antioxidants necessary for recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI) is a common form of brain injury that can result from a direct blow to the head, often seen in sports and accidents.

The workings of the brain operate within a deep ocean of mysterious, largely unexplored depths. Doctors don’t even know much about the nature of brain injuries or how to repair them.

Symptoms of Brain Injury

Physical

• Headache (first, most common)
• Vision problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Difficulty speaking
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light/sound
• Movement impairment

Cognitive

• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Problems with focus/concentration

Emotional

• Personality change
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression

There are two types of brain injury.

1. Traumatic brain injury originates outside of the body, usually as a result of blunt force trauma to the head caused by things like a physical attack or a car accident.
2. Acquired brain injury is caused by an internal incident like stroke, seizure, or lack of oxygen.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Concussion is the most common form of traumatic brain injury, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). A concussion is the result of a direct blow to the head, neck, or face.

Concussions often accompany car accidents, sports, falls, or impact with objects. Concussions can range from mild to severe, but every concussion affects the brain.

Other types of TBI include penetrating injury, where the head and skull are penetrated through blunt force or projectile, contusions - bruising (bleeding) on the brain, and diffuse axonal (shaken baby syndrome).

Bumper Brains

A clumsy bump on the head in broad daylight can be scarier - and more real - than things that go bump in the night. Tim McKay and his wife, Jane Parks McKay, both suffered TBI’s from “casual” incidents. In 2007 Tim, a robotics engineer in Santa Cruz, was getting into his car after work when he bumped his head on the door frame. He drove home, feeling a little confused. It turned out his confusion was a symptom of a pretty bad brain injury that would cause lingering cognitive and memory deficits and an unsteady gait, ultimately forcing him to stop working.

Jane also hit her head against the door frame of an SUV. It wasn’t the first time she’d smacked her head, but this time it caused temporary speech problems immediately after the incident. She still copes with lapses in judgement and wandering attention every day.

Even seemingly minor head injuries can lead to mild traumatic brain injury, which can have long-lasting cognitive and memory deficits.

Tim and Jane suffered the same type of brain injury, but the difference in outcomes illustrates how “anything from mild to severe brain injuries can affect people in unpredictable, puzzling and ‘unseen’ ways,” says Michael Weber, a senior neuropsychologist at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Acute Rehabilitation Program in Oakland.(21)

Broken Brains and Sports

Football, soccer, basketball, boxing, and MMA athletes are at higher risk for head injury and brain injury than most other people. Most professional athletes in contact sports have suffered some degree of brain injury at one time or another - probably more than once. Repeated blows to the head cause accumulative damage that can lead to permanent, severe neurological impairment.

Athletes in contact sports are particularly susceptible to mild traumatic brain injury due to the repeated blows to the head they often endure.

Muhammad Ali’s early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis at age 42 may have resulted from the repeated blows to the head that accompanied his stellar boxing career. Several studies have shown a link between mild to moderate brain injury and Parkinson’s, and suggest that severe or repeated TBI may heighten the risk.(22)

Kevin Pearce at the Think Tank 2014 Brain Injury Symposium

Severe TBI’s have more immediately obvious effects. In 2009, Kevin Pearce was a professional snowboarder on par with 2018 Olympic gold winner Sean White - until he suffered a traumatic brain injury during a training session in Park City, Utah. Pearce doesn’t remember anything about his 36-day, critical condition hospital stay in Utah. When he stabilized, he was airlifted to Craig Hospital in Denver, CO, where he spent another three and a half months in recovery. Initially, he showed little improvement, but suddenly his recovery avalanched forward.

By 2017, Kevin had made an astonishing recovery and he continues to push what doctors say are his limitations. He says, “Trying to heal this brain has been the toughest, most difficult challenge that I have ever been put in front of. And to this day, over seven years later, I spend every single day working on healing these issues that I deal with. This double vision. Because I will fix it. I will. This double vision will be healed.”(23)

And that kind of positive attitude is key to success in the recovery process.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Today, stroke is the leading cause of acquired brain injuries.(24)

A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. The brain is deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, causing brain cells to die within minutes of onset. Ischemic strokes are the most common. They are caused by a blocked artery, which severely reduces blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels surrounding the brain rupture, flooding surrounding brain tissue with blood and damaging brain cells.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a “mini-stroke” that lasts a short time, sometimes as little as five minutes, and usually doesn’t result in lasting damage or symptoms. While a TIA may not present lasting symptoms, it can increase the risk of a more serious stroke over time.(25)

Severe TBI can significantly impact recovery, requiring targeted therapies and interventions to address the complex physiological changes and complications.

Other causes of ABI include:

• Severe infections, including Encephalitis and Meningitis
• Lack of oxygen, i.e. drowning, choking, suffocation
• Electric shock
• Poisoning, e.g. carbon monoxide, lead
• Drug overdose
• Seizure
• Progressive neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s< 2>

A brain injury can have lasting effects on all or part of the brain, depending on the type and location of the damage. Recovery can be a long, grueling process but is often possible over time, especially with rehabilitation. Luckily, the most detrimental symptoms of many ABI’s can be diminished. The first step toward recovery is recognizing the signs and symptoms of brain injury. Emphasizing overall brain health, including proper nutrition and consulting healthcare professionals, is crucial for recovery from acquired brain injuries.

A Neuranatomist Gets a First-Hand Look at ABI

Recognizing the early symptoms of an ABI can reduce the likelihood and extent of long-term damage and improve recovery time. Jill Bolte Taylor was in a unique position to recognize the signs of her own massive stroke. As a professional neuroanatomist, she was able to study the stroke’s progression while it happened.

Recovering from severe traumatic brain injury presents significant challenges, as evidenced by studies evaluating the effects of Piracetam on young patients suffering from long-term symptoms following such injuries.

It took her seven years, but Jill made a full recovery and went back to work, wrote a book about her experience called My Stroke of Insight, and now gives lectures on recognizing the first signs of stroke and how to cope with it.

Recovery from Brain Injury

If you suspect a moderate to severe brain injury, you should seek professional medical help immediately. Early attention makes a huge difference in most ABI’s, and it can help smooth and speed up the recovery process for TBI’s too. Symptoms can last for minutes, days, weeks, years, or longer. Assessing the symptoms correctly can help doctors understand the injury better.

Did you know? Music can enhance neural plasticity by engaging both left and right brain hemispheres and activating many different brain regions simultaneously. Melodic Intonation Therapy can help stroke victims recover speech abilities better than many other interventions.(26)

Some of the same nootropics that work for musicians can help with brain injury, especially when combined with music therapies.

These nootropics are commonly researched and used for cognitive enhancement and brain health, especially in the context of recovery from brain injuries. However, individual responses can vary, and it's important to use these supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly in the context of brain injury recovery.

Top Supplements to Consider for Brain Injury Recovery Support

Mind Lab Pro®

"Universal Nootropic" to boost all types of cognitive function in all types of people.

Ingredients: Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Bacopa monnieri (24% bacosides), Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Maritime Pine Bark Extract (95% proanthocyanidins), N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Rhodiola rosea (3% rosavins, 1% salidrosides), NutriGenesis® B-Vitamins.

Mind Lab Pro® is the one nootropic supplement that does everything you need -- focus, memory, attention, concentration, mood, relaxation, stress resistance, memory and more. It also supplies several of the top nootropics for brain injury, including citicoline, Lion's Mane mushroom, PS, Maritime Pine Bark Extract and more. MLP® is backed by research, too:

• Study 1: Subjects taking MLP showed significant improvements (compared to placebo) in information processing tasks.(27)
• Study 2: Subjects taking MLP had significant improvements across multiple memory functions, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory.(28)

- Get the Best Deal on MLP® Now -

Performance Lab® Omega-3

Today's most advanced Omega-3 supplement: Ultra-clean and vegan "good fats" sourced from eco-friendly marine algae -- not fish.

Ingredients: Each serving of vegan-friendly, carrageenan-free NutriGels® supplies 1800 mg algal oil (540 mg DHA [Docosahexaenoic Acid]) and 270 mg EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).

Omega-3s, especially DHA, may assist with brain injury recovery.

They are also among the most versatile nutrients for human health, assisting with brain function, joint comfort, bone density, eye wellness, immune performance and more. But they are often sourced from fish. Performance Lab® Omega-3 instead supplies Omega-3s from algae -- not fish -- so you get all those great benefits without "fish burps," gastric distress or concerns about toxic contaminants.

More on Performance Lab® Omega-3

Performance Lab® Energy

Next-gen formula for caffeine-free, jitter-free energy. Produces a clean cognitive lift with no crash.

Ingredients: CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone), Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Black Pepper Extract (95% piperine), R-Lipoic Acid, 150 mg.

Brain regeneration is an energy intensive task that requires mitochondria to be functioning at their best.

Performance Lab® Energy enhances energy production at the cellular level, particularly targeting organs and tissues with high energy demands such as the brain and muscles.

Energy primarily works by supporting cells' powerhouse mitochondria. It's an ideal formula for powering-up mental function, exercise performance, and overall daily vitality without any caffeine or stim-related side effects.

More on Performance Lab® Energy

Performance Lab® Sleep

Fall asleep faster, extend regenerative sleep, awake primed to perform. No grogginess.

Ingredients: Magnesium (as Magnesium Bisglycinate and NutriGenesis® Magnesium), Whole Montmorency Tart Cherry (50:1 concentrated ratio), L-Tryptophan, Organic Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).

Sleep is a key contributor to healthy recovery from traumatic brain injury.

This natural sleep formula supplies natural low-dose melatonin (from cherries) to gently induce sleep. But that's just one pathway to the best sleep of your life.

Sleep also supplies antioxidants to soothe body aches, two forms of magnesium to relax muscles, and natural support for calming and relaxing brain chemicals.

- Buy Performance Lab® Sleep Now -

Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil

 

Fast-acting fuel for cognition, athletic training, fat burning and weight management.

Ingredients: Purified C8+C10 MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) from 100% organic non-GMO coconuts. Per tablespoon: 8.6 g C8 MCT (Caprylic Acid); 4.2 g C10 MCT (Capric Acid).

Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil supplies medium-chain triglycerides that work like fast-acting fuel for peak metabolic performance -- including helping to power brain-regenerative processes.

This high-quality supplement formulated with premium MCT oil sourced from 100% organic coconuts provides rapid energy, enhances cognitive function, and promotes overall physical and mental performance. The MCTs in this formula can also promote fat breakdown and optimize body composition.

A versatile supplement, MCT Energy Oil can be added to smoothies, coffee, shakes, salad dressings and more.

More on Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil

Summary

Nootropics offer a multifaceted approach to supporting recovery from traumatic brain injury.

By providing essential building blocks for brain repair, enhancing cognitive clarity, reducing inflammation, supporting emotional stability, improving sleep, modulating neurotransmitter systems, and promoting long-term brain health, these compounds can play a crucial role in the recovery process.

However, it's important to approach the use of nootropics carefully, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, to ensure they are used safely and effectively in the context of TBI recovery.

Whether someone suffers an acquired or traumatic brain injury, healthy human brain function is compromised. And as people recover, they may feel mild cognitive impairment that causes day-to-day frustration.

Nootropics for brain injury help encourage healing from traumatic brain injuries But they can also reduce anxiety, improve mood and sharpen cognition so brain injury patients can start feeling like themselves again on the road to recovery.

And a positive, relaxed mind state allows the brain to spend precious energy on the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues for fuller recovery and better quality of life.