After a stroke, many people don’t eat enough healthy food, which can slow down their recovery. Researchers looked at 23 different studies to see if special nutrition drinks and supplements could help stroke patients get better faster. They found that protein-based supplements seemed to work best, especially when people also did exercise and strength training. However, the results were mixed for other types of supplements like vitamins and omega-3s. Scientists say we need more research before doctors can officially recommend these supplements to all stroke patients.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether special nutrition drinks and supplements help people recover better after a stroke by improving their strength, thinking ability, and mood
- Who participated: The review looked at 23 different research studies involving stroke patients. The studies tested different types of supplements including protein drinks, amino acids, vitamin D, and omega-3 supplements
- Key finding: Protein-based nutrition supplements appeared to help stroke patients improve their physical abilities better, especially when combined with exercise and strength training. However, results for other supplements like vitamins and omega-3s were less clear
- What it means for you: If you’re recovering from a stroke, protein supplements combined with exercise may help you regain strength and independence faster. However, talk to your doctor before starting any supplements, as the evidence isn’t strong enough yet for doctors to officially recommend them to everyone
The Research Details
This was a systematic review, which means researchers looked at and compared 23 different studies that had already been done on this topic. They searched through major medical databases to find all the studies where stroke patients received nutrition supplements and were compared to patients who didn’t get supplements. The researchers carefully checked each study to make sure it was high quality and actually tested what they were looking for. They organized the studies by type of supplement (protein drinks, vitamins, omega-3s, etc.) to see if certain supplements worked better than others.
By combining results from many different studies, researchers can see the bigger picture of whether supplements really help. This approach is more reliable than looking at just one study, because one study might have lucky results by chance. A systematic review helps doctors understand what the overall evidence shows so they can give better advice to patients
This review looked only at randomized controlled trials, which are the gold standard for medical research. This means patients were randomly assigned to get either the supplement or a placebo (fake supplement), so the results are more trustworthy. However, the studies tested many different types of supplements with different doses and durations, which made it harder to compare results across studies. The researchers found that the quality and design of the studies varied quite a bit
What the Results Show
The most promising results came from protein-based supplements. When stroke patients took protein supplements while also doing exercise and strength training, they showed better improvements in their ability to do daily activities and their muscle strength compared to those who didn’t get supplements. This combination of nutrition plus exercise appeared to work better than either one alone. The researchers think this is because protein helps muscles repair and grow stronger, especially when those muscles are being exercised. For other types of supplements like vitamin D, amino acids, and omega-3s, the results were less clear. Some studies showed benefits while others didn’t, making it hard to say whether these supplements really help
The review found that stroke patients who had the greatest nutritional problems seemed to benefit the most from supplements. This suggests that supplements might work best for people who aren’t eating enough healthy food. The studies also looked at whether supplements helped with thinking ability and mood after stroke, but the results were mixed and inconclusive. Some studies showed improvements in memory and depression, while others showed no change
This review builds on earlier research showing that many stroke patients don’t get enough nutrition during recovery. Previous studies suggested supplements could help, but the evidence wasn’t strong enough. This systematic review confirms that protein supplements show promise, especially with exercise, but also shows that we still don’t have clear answers about other types of supplements. The findings suggest that nutrition is important for stroke recovery, but we need better studies to know exactly which supplements work best
The biggest limitation is that the 23 studies tested many different supplements at different doses for different lengths of time, making it hard to compare results fairly. Some studies were small with only a few participants, which makes the results less reliable. The studies measured different outcomes, so researchers couldn’t combine all the numbers together. Some studies didn’t clearly describe how they were done, raising questions about their quality. Most importantly, the researchers found contradictory results between studies, meaning some showed benefits while others didn’t, which makes it unclear what really works
The Bottom Line
Based on moderate evidence, stroke patients who are not eating enough may benefit from protein-based supplements combined with exercise and strength training. This combination appears to help improve strength and daily functioning. However, the evidence is not yet strong enough for doctors to officially recommend supplements to all stroke patients. Other supplements like vitamin D and omega-3s show mixed results and cannot be recommended at this time. Always talk to your doctor or a nutrition specialist before starting any supplements, especially if you’re taking other medications
This research is most relevant for people recovering from stroke who have poor nutrition or aren’t eating enough. It’s also important for doctors, physical therapists, and nutrition specialists who work with stroke patients. Family members helping with stroke recovery should also know about these findings. However, if you’re recovering well and eating a healthy diet, these supplements may not be necessary. People with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications should check with their doctor before using supplements
If protein supplements combined with exercise are going to help, you might start noticing improvements in strength and daily activities within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. However, full benefits may take several weeks to months, depending on how severe the stroke was and how much exercise you’re doing. Recovery from stroke is a long process, and nutrition is just one part of it. Be patient and work closely with your rehabilitation team
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily protein intake (in grams) and exercise minutes, noting any improvements in strength or ability to do daily tasks. For example, log ‘walked 100 feet without help’ or ‘opened jar independently’ to measure real-world improvements
- If recommended by your doctor, add a protein supplement to one meal daily and schedule 30 minutes of exercise (including some strength training) most days of the week. Use the app to set reminders for taking supplements and completing exercise sessions
- Weekly check-ins on strength improvements, independence with daily activities (like dressing or cooking), and mood. Monthly reviews with your doctor or therapist to assess progress and adjust the nutrition and exercise plan as needed
This review summarizes research on nutrition supplements for stroke recovery but is not medical advice. Stroke recovery is complex and individual. Before starting any supplements, consult with your doctor, neurologist, or registered dietitian, especially if you take other medications or have other health conditions. Supplements should complement, not replace, prescribed stroke rehabilitation and medical treatment. Results vary by individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.