IOM Examines Role of Choline, Creatine, Omega-3, and More in Military Traumatic Brain Injury

A recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on “the potential role of nutrition in the treatment of and resilience against” traumatic brain injury (TBI) in military soldiers calls choline, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc “promising” and recommends the Department of Defense to prioritize research on these interventions.

IOM stated that other nutrients, including vitamin D, a combination of antioxidants, and polyphenols such as resveratrol and curcumin, showed beneficial effects for TBI, although evidence was not as strong. It recommended more research on these as well, but with less urgency.

IOM examined the role of nutrition and TBI at the request of the Department of Defense, which states that TBI accounts for up to one-third of combat-related injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan.