I wrote an article for STACK Magazine not too long ago detailing the importance of fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids, also found in algae) in contact sports for the prevention of concussions in athletes - or at least the reduction of their severity. The article was based on information presented in Dr. Michael Lewis’ book, When Brains Collide, which describes the role that DHA – one of the primary Omega-3 fatty acids - plays in the structure and healing of brain matter.

Concussions aren’t always violent but they certainly can be, involving not only the accumulation of minor and major impacts that occur when the brain crashes against the inner wall of the skull, but also the shearing/tearing of brain matter as different parts of the brain move within the skull at different speeds. Dr. Lewis provides a helpful protocol for using fish oil to repair damaged brain tissue before the vicious cycle of inflammation and re-irritation can take hold, and for reversing damage that may already be present. I have recommended this book and its protocols to all the parents and athletes we work with.

However, as it turns out, there is more than just Omega-3 fatty acids that we can use to help manage and prevent concussion. Another nutrient, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), has also been shown to demonstrate neuroprotective activity – helping neurons to recover from damage more quickly and reducing concussion risk. For athletes involved in contact sports – and even those involved in non-contact sports such as soccer, where the head still makes abrupt, violent contact with other bodies and objects, try using NR at a daily dose of 250-500mg along with the protocols outlined in Dr. Lewis’ Book for a "bullet-proof" brain, as it were.

As an aside, NR provides other benefits as well, fueling the mitochondria (the "engines" of our cells) and triggering increased production of the molecule we use for energy (ATP).

Here's to greater health and athlete longevity.

Happy Training!