Use of branched chain amino acids to treat concussion

A new study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurotrauma found a significant reduction in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among adolescents and young adults with concussion who were treated with branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation. Click here to read the article now.

BCAA supplementation has been shown to improve neurocognitive and sleep function in animal models of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. The aim of the current study was to determine the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of different doses of oral BCAA supplementation in concussed adolescents and young adults. No serious adverse events were reported. 

“This study provides the first demonstration of efficacy, as well as safety and tolerability of BCAAs in concussed adolescents and young adults – specifically, a dose response effect in reducing concussion symptoms and return to baseline physical activity, in those treated with higher total doses of BCAAs,” said Daniel Corwin, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and coauthors. “These findings provide important preliminary data to inform a larger trial of BCAA therapy to expedite concussion recovery.”

“My congratulations to the authors. This is an intriguing study that should inspire further research in the field. Many of our patients are interested in the topic of whether there are dietary supplements that may help recovery from concussion, and studies like this one take us closer to answers,” says David L. Brody, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Neurotrauma.  

About the Journal
Journal of Neurotrauma is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published 24 times per year in print and online that focuses on the latest advances in the clinical and laboratory investigation of traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Emphasis is on the basic pathobiology of injury to the nervous system, and the papers and reviews evaluate preclinical and clinical trials targeted at improving the early management and long-term care and recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma is the official journal of the National Neurotrauma Society and the International Neurotrauma Society. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Neurotrauma website. 

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. is a global media company dedicated to creating, curating, and delivering impactful peer-reviewed research and authoritative content services to advance the fields of biotechnology and the life sciences, specialized clinical medicine, public health and policy, and technology and engineering. For further information, please visit the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. website.