Fish Oil and Traumatic Brain Injury: What the Research Shows

The effects of fish oil supplements on traumatic brain injuries have not been fully studied or researched. The few studies that have been conducted show little or no evidence that fish oil will help with brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury

• "At least 5.3 million Americans, 2% of the U.S. population, currently live with disabilities resulting from traumatic brain injury," reports the Brain Trauma Foundation. Fish oil has no proven effect on traumatic brain injury.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Traumatic brain injury increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. Current research is investigating the effects of fish oil on Alzheimer's disease.

Stroke

• No research currently links fish oil to traumatic brain injury caused by stroke. Evidence suggests fish oil supplements have a positive effect on reducing the risk of other cardiovascular diseases.

American Heart Association

• A study by D. Green for the American Heart Association showed no evidence that fish oil has an effect on stroke patients. This study is dated 1985 (National Rehabilitation Information).

Fish Oil

• The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Health are funding current research. Fish oil supplements have been determined safe and beneficial in treating cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression.