Supplements- The New Frontier of Brain Health
By Kevin Johnston, AGPC-NP & Thomas Lehrich, Board Members, Plus One Foundation, Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation of Seattle
The Think aBout It education program, developed by the Plus One Foundation, is at the forefront of community engagement and public awareness in neurological health. Launched as a year-long initiative to demystify complex brain science and emerging clinical developments, the program has become a trusted platform for exploring topics from neurobehavioral disabilities and therapeutic interventions to cutting-edge research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and related neurological disorders. Its goal is simple yet profound: to empower individuals, caregivers, clinicians, and the broader public with education that can transform outcomes and enhance quality of life after neurological injury.
Advancing Medical Research on Neurological Conditions- supplements and biomarkers
Understanding the brain’s response to injury and disease is important. Traumatic brain injuries affect millions of people annually, with lasting effects that challenge recovery and rehabilitation.
At the same time, chronic neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy Body Dementia are linked to metabolic and cellular dysfunctions within the brain.
One promising area of investigation centers on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a coenzyme vital to cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell survival pathways. Research shows that NAD⁺ levels decline with age and in the context of neurological pathology, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired neuronal resilience. Another well-established area is the connection between neurological health and vitamin supplements and adjustments to diet.
Studies in humans demonstrate that boosting NAD⁺ through precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) may have neuroprotective effects.
Supplements that raise NAD⁺ levels in neuronal extracellular vesicles reduce biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative processes (e.g., Aβ42), and modulate pathways linked to insulin signaling and neuroinflammation.
In one experimental model of TBI and neurological injury, administration of NAD⁺ precursors resulted in reduced neuroinflammation, attenuated neural damage, and improved functional outcomes, suggesting potential pathways for therapeutic intervention.
The research is ongoing and not settled. Studies of lab rats have shown NAD+, B Complex, and vitamin D supplements to be a safe and effective tool to help repair brain damage and reduce future decline. Human testing is ongoing.
Supplements and Neurological Health: Beyond NAD⁺
NAD⁺-related compounds are only part of a broader inquiry into how nutritional and supplemental therapies may support neurological health. Research into senolytic therapies (such as dasatinib plus quercetin), anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise continues to grow.
These interventions may target secondary mechanisms of injury, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors may contribute to long-term neurological decline after TBI or in degenerative brain diseases.
Supplements and treatments should be personalized and guided by healthcare professionals and your doctor
Vitamin B Supplements
Vitamin B is not a single nutrient, but a group of eight essential water-soluble vitamins collectively known as the vitamin B complex. These vitamins play a crucial role in brain health, nerve function, and energy metabolism.
In recent years, growing scientific interest has highlighted the importance of B vitamins in supporting neurological health and managing various neurological conditions.
The vitamin B complex includes:
B1 (Thiamine)
B2 (Riboflavin)
B3 (Niacin)
B5 (Pantothenic acid)
B6 (Pyridoxine)
B7 (Biotin)
B9 (Folate/Folic acid)
B12 (Cobalamin)
Each B vitamin has distinct functions, but many work together to maintain the health of the nervous system.
B vitamins are essential for:
Formation and maintenance of myelin, the protective sheath around nerves
Production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA
Support of neuronal energy metabolism
Reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in nervous tissue
Deficiencies in certain B vitamins can lead to nerve damage, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and other neurological symptoms.
Thiamine is vital for nerve signal transmission and brain glucose metabolism. Deficiency has been linked to conditions such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and cognitive decline. Adequate thiamine levels help support nerve conduction and mental clarity.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognition. It plays a role in reducing neuroinflammation and supporting nerve repair. Low levels may contribute to peripheral neuropathy, seizures, and mood disturbances.
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, as well as proper neural development. In adults, low folate levels are associated with cognitive impairment, depression, and increased homocysteine levels, which may negatively affect brain and vascular health.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is one of the most critical B vitamins for neurological health. It supports myelin formation and nerve regeneration. Deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, balance problems, memory loss, and even irreversible nerve damage if untreated. B12 deficiency is particularly common in older adults and individuals with malabsorption disorders (Irritable Bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, damaged or shortened intestinal tracts, etc.).
Research suggests that B vitamins may be beneficial in:
Peripheral neuropathy (including diabetic neuropathy)
Neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (supportive role)
Multiple sclerosis (as part of supportive nutritional care)
Migraine headaches, particularly riboflavin (B2)
Depression and anxiety, through neurotransmitter regulation
Stroke recovery, by supporting nerve repair and reducing homocysteine levels
While B vitamins are not cures, they can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life when deficiencies are corrected.
Vitamin D3 has also been explored in improving cognitive function. D is widely accepted as being essential for skin and hair health, improved digestion, fortified immune systems, and reduced depression. Several ongoing studies show some improvement in cognitive function and a reduction in memory loss.
One study showed that changing to a coconut oil-enriched Mediterranean diet provides ketone bodies that are a direct source of cellular energy. This led to improvements in episodic, temporal orientation, and semantic memory. It seems that the positive effect is more evident in women with mild-moderate dementia, although other improvements in males and severe states were also shown.
Other supplements include ascorbic acid and high doses of vitamin E to improve cognitive performance.
Studies show that staying active and socially engaged are important for brain health. Healthy eating is another important tool to implement. Avoiding simple sugars, saturated fats, ultra-processed foods, sodium, MSG, and alcohol protect the brain. Increase good foods, such as fruits and vegetables, beans, fish, nuts, avocados, and always hydrate well. A simple rule of thumb for water consumption is to drink half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces daily (for example, a 150-pound person should try to drink 75 ounces of water daily- this can be affected by activity level, kidney and heart health, and electrolyte imbalances).
Biomarkers: Measuring Brain Injury and Recovery
As research evolves, so too does our ability to measure neurological injury with precision. Traditional assessment tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale provide useful clinical insights but lack the depth needed to capture subtle molecular and cellular changes after brain trauma.
Emerging biomarkers, which we describe as detectable biological signatures in blood and cells, are transforming how we evaluate brain health.
Biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain (NfL), tau proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and neuronal exosomes can provide objective data about neuronal damage, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
These markers help clinicians assess injury severity, monitor progression, and potentially gauge response to therapies.
Advanced imaging and machine learning models also contribute to biomarker discovery by identifying patterns of structural and functional changes in the brain that correlate with clinical outcomes.
Neurological research is rapidly expanding, driven by innovations in metabolic science, biomarker discovery, and education initiatives like the Think aBout It program. As we deepen our understanding of NAD⁺ biology and develop more sophisticated tools to measure brain injury, we move closer to interventions that not only protect the injured brain but also foster recovery and resilience.
Supplements such as NAD⁺ and Vitamin B hold promise as part of a comprehensive approach to neurological health, but their role must be defined through rigorous science and individualized clinical care. Biomarkers will play an increasingly pivotal role in guiding this journey, offering measurable insights into the biological effects of both injury and therapy.
Education, research, and compassionate care must continue to advance so that every individual affected by brain injury or neurological disease has access to the information and interventions that offer the best possibility for meaningful recovery.
Kevin Johnston, AGPC-NP and Thomas Lehrich serve on the Board of the Plus One Foundation, Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation, advancing research, education, and support for individuals and families affected by neurological conditions.