Key Supplements for the Brain and Nervous System

If I was concerned about any of these:

• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Post-stroke cognitive impairment / stroke recovery
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Age-related memory loss
• “Chemo brain” / post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment
• Neuroinflammatory disorders of the central nervous system
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)–related cognitive dysfunction

I would consider taking these supplements

1. Methylated B-Complex
Supports: neurotransmitter production, nerve repair, methylation, homocysteine control.

2. Creatine Monohydrate
Supports: brain cellular energy, mitochondrial function, fatigue resistance.

3. Omega-3 Fish Oil
Supports: anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, neuronal membrane health.

4. Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2
Supports: immune regulation, neuroprotection, vascular health.

5. Magnesium Glycinate
Supports: synaptic signaling, sleep quality, nervous system regulation.

6. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Supports: nerve growth factor (NGF), and neuroplasticity, memory and cognitive recovery.

Many neurological conditions share common underlying mechanisms: inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, reduced neurotrophic activity, and impaired synaptic signaling. Supporting these pathways nutritionally may help maintain brain health and resilience.

Always discuss supplements with your physician before starting them, particularly if you have medical conditions or take medications.

Selected Scientific References:

• Morris MC et al. Dietary nutrients and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease. JAMA. 2002;287(24):3230–3237.

• Yurko-Mauro K et al. Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 2010;6(6):456–464.

• Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2015;7:52.

• Rae C et al. Oral creatine monohydrate supplementation improves brain performance: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 2003;270:2147–2150.

• Avgerinos KI et al. Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function. Experimental Gerontology. 2018;108:166–173.

• Nagano M et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane). Biomedical Research. 2010;31(4):231–237.

• Friedman M. Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2015;63(32):7108–7123.

• O’Leary F & Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299–316.

• Smith AD & Refsum H. Homocysteine, B vitamins, and cognitive impairment. Annual Review of Nutrition. 2016;36:211–239.

• Annweiler C et al. Vitamin D and cognitive performance in adults. Neurology. 2010;74(1):27–32.

• Grober U et al. Magnesium in prevention and therapy. Nutrients. 2015;7(9):8199–8226.

• Slutsky I et al. Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium. Neuron. 2010;65(2):165–177.

• Vauzour D et al. Nutrition for the ageing brain: towards evidence for an optimal diet. Ageing Research Reviews. 2017;35:222–240.

• Scarmeas N et al. Mediterranean diet and risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Annals of Neurology. 2006;59(6):912–921.