Here Are the Top 7 Vitamins for Stroke Recovery Based on the Latest Clinical Evidence by Flint rehab

 And your doctor has been incompetent for how long in not prescribing these? Your board of directors is so incompetent they can't recognize incompetent staff and fire them? Your resposibility to fix this!

• (vitamin D 31 posts to May 2012)
• Vitamin B12 (17 posts to December 2011)
• vitamin B6 (3 posts to January 2019)

• vitaminB9 (1 post to June 2019)
• niacin (9 posts to December 2012) When I was on this drug in a clinical trial it flared up my eczema so bad I quit the trial.

• vitamin B3(6 posts to April 2018)

• vitamin E(20 posts to April 2011)

• vitamin C(9 posts to March 2014)

Here Are the Top 7 Vitamins for Stroke Recovery Based on the Latest Clinical Evidence

Medically reviewed by Andrea Reinkensmeyer, MA, MSOTR/L — written by Flint Rehab.

Recovering from a stroke is a complex journey that involves healing both the body and the brain. Rehabilitation exercises, therapy, and consistent practice are often the foundation of progress. However, nutrition can also play a meaningful supporting role in recovery. After a stroke, the brain undergoes a process called neuroplasticity, which allows it to reorganize and form new neural connections. This is how survivors relearn skills like moving an arm, speaking clearly, or walking again. While therapy provides the stimulus for these changes, the body still needs the right nutrients to support brain repair, energy production, and cellular recovery. This is where vitamins and nutrients may help. Research suggests that stroke survivors often have lower levels of several important nutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may influence recovery and overall health. In this article, we’ll explore seven vitamins and nutrients that have shown promise in stroke recovery based on clinical and scientific research. We’ll also explain how each one supports brain health and what current studies suggest about their potential benefits. As always, remember that any vitamins or supplements MUST be discussed with your healthcare professional(And you actually think your doctor will know ONE DAMN THING ABOUT THIS! Wow! How quaint!) before starting them, especially after a stroke. Jump directly to a section by tapping any of the links below:Why Vitamins Can Matter for Stroke Recovery

1. Vitamin D

2. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

3. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

4. Vitamin B9 (Folate)

5. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

6. Vitamin C

7. Vitamin E

What Is the Best Multivitamin for Stroke Recovery?

How to Safely Add Vitamins to Your Stroke Recovery Plan

Why Vitamins Can Matter for Stroke Recovery

After a stroke, the body enters a period of intense repair. Brain tissue may have been damaged, neural pathways disrupted, and muscles weakened due to lack of use. And during this time, the body requires increased nutritional support.

However, several factors can contribute to nutritional or vitamin deficiency after stroke including:

• Reduced appetite or swallowing difficulties
• Changes in diet during hospitalization
• Increased metabolic demand during healing
• Reduced mobility and sunlight exposure

And importantly, researchers have found that poor nutritional status can negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes, while adequate nutritional support may improve motor recovery, cognition, mood, and daily function.

In other words, vitamins are not a “magic cure”, vut when combined with therapy, exercise, and medical care, they may help create a more supportive environment for recovery.

Now with that said, let’s explore the best science backed vitamins and nutrients for stroke recovery!

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most widely studied nutrients in stroke recovery. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” it plays a role in muscle function, immune health, and neurological activity.

Low vitamin D levels are common among stroke survivors, especially those who spend less time outdoors during recovery.

What the Research Says

Research studies show that vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for stroke recovery.

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse outcomes after ischemic stroke, which accounts for 87% of all strokes in America. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is associated with stroke risk factors like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

Fortunately, after supplementing with vitamin D, “there is a significant improvement in stroke outcomes after 3 months.”

Getting enough vitamin D can also provide neuroprotective, neuromuscular, and osteoprotective benefits which can reduce cognitive and functional impairments in individuals after a stroke.

By getting your daily dose of vitamin D, you can reduce your risk of another stroke while aiding your brain’s recovery.

Potential Benefits

• Improving muscle strength
• Supporting brain cell signaling
• Reducing inflammation
• Enhancing rehabilitation outcomes

How To Get More Vitamin D

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
• Egg yolks
• Fortified dairy products
• Sunlight exposure

2. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health and brain function. It helps produce myelin, the protective coating around nerves that allows signals to travel efficiently through the nervous system.

Because stroke affects the nervous system directly, adequate B12 levels may be especially important during recovery.

What the Research Says

Clinical research shows that B-vitamin supplementation (including B12, B6, and folic acid) can reduce levels of homocysteine, a compound associated with increased stroke risk and vascular damage.

Lowering homocysteine may help protect blood vessels and reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.

In addition, supplementing with vitamin B12 in individuals that are deficient may enhance stroke recovery by boosting the function and development of the brain and nerve cells. This encourages neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, create new neural pathways, and rearrange existing ones.

Potential Benefits

• Support nerve repair
• Improve cognitive function
• Reduce fatigue
• Maintain healthy blood cells

How To Get More Vitamin B12

• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Fortified cereals

3. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 works closely with B12 and folate to regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. Elevated homocysteine is associated with vascular damage and may increase the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

By helping regulate this compound, B6 may support healthier circulation.

What the Research Says

A large scale double blind study examining B-vitamin combinations found that supplementation significantly reduces homocysteine levels, which may reduce stroke recurrence risk in certain populations. And while the the exact impact on recovery outcomes varies between studies, maintaining adequate B-vitamin levels remains an important part of neurological health.

Potential Benefits

• Support neurotransmitter production
• Improve brain metabolism
• Maintain vascular health

How To Get More Vitamin B6

• Bananas
• Chickpeas
• Poultry
• Potatoes

4. Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Folate is another key B vitamin that works together with B6 and B12 to regulate homocysteine. This vitamin also plays an important role in DNA synthesis and cell repair, which are essential during neurological recovery.

What the Research Says

Meta-analyses involving tens of thousands of participants show that folic acid supplementation may reduce stroke risk by roughly 10–11% in some populations. Although most research focuses on prevention, maintaining adequate folate levels may still support vascular health and recovery processes.

Potential Benefits

• Support blood vessel health
• Assist cellular repair
• Improve circulation

How To Get More Vitamin B9 (Folate)

• Spinach
• Lentils
• Avocados
• Asparagus

5. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, plays an important role in energy production and cellular repair. It helps convert food into usable energy and supports the health of the nervous system, skin, and digestive system.

After a stroke, the brain requires large amounts of energy to support healing and neuroplasticity. Because of this, nutrients that help maintain cellular metabolism may be particularly valuable during recovery.

Niacin is also involved in the production of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule that plays a key role in cellular energy and repair processes throughout the body, including the brain.

What the Research Says

Some experimental and clinical studies suggest that niacin may support neurological recovery after stroke. For example, several early studies found that niacin and niacin-like compounds may promote neuroplasticity and blood vessel growth in the brain, which could help improve functional recovery in the weeks and months following a stroke.

Additional studies of adult male rats have shown that niacin treatment can stimulate angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps neurons grow and form new connections.

These mechanisms may help explain why researchers are interested in niacin as a potential supportive therapy for stroke recovery. However, while these results are promising and suggest Vitamin B3 may play a supportive role in neurological healing, more large scale human trials are still needed.

Potential Benefits

• Supporting cellular energy production
• Promoting blood vessel growth in the brain
• Supporting neuroplasticity and nerve repair
• Improving circulation

How To Get More Vitamin B3

• Chicken and turkey
• Tuna and salmon
• Peanuts
• Brown rice
• Mushrooms
• Whole grains

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. After a stroke, the brain can experience increased inflammation and oxidative damage as it responds to the injury. Because brain cells are particularly sensitive to this type of stress, antioxidants may play an important supportive role during recovery.

Vitamin C also contributes to the production of collagen, which helps maintain the health of blood vessels. Healthy blood vessels are important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain, especially during the healing process.

Additionally, vitamin C supports immune function and helps the body repair damaged tissues, both of which can be valuable during rehabilitation.

What the Research Says

Several studies have explored the relationship between vitamin C levels and stroke outcomes. Research has found that individuals with higher vitamin C levels tend to have a lower risk of stroke, suggesting this nutrient may play a protective role in vascular health.

In addition, experimental studies suggest vitamin C may help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain following a stroke. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, vitamin C may help protect neurons and support the brain’s recovery environment.

While vitamin C is not a standalone treatment for stroke, maintaining healthy levels may help support overall brain health and recovery when combined with rehabilitation and medical care.

Potential Benefits

• Protecting brain cells from oxidative damage
• Supporting healthy blood vessels
• Reducing inflammation
• Helping repair damaged tissues

How To Get More Vitamin C

• Oranges and citrus fruits
• Strawberries
• Kiwi
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts

7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Because the brain is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, maintaining adequate antioxidant levels may be beneficial during recovery.

What the Research Says

Some experimental studies suggest vitamin E may help reduce oxidative damage in brain cells and support neuronal survival following a stroke. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E may help create a healthier environment for the brain to heal and reorganize itself during neuroplasticity.

However, the relationship between vitamin E and stroke is complex. While moderate dietary intake of vitamin E from foods appears beneficial for overall cardiovascular health, high-dose vitamin E supplements have produced mixed results in clinical research. Some studies have suggested that very high doses may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) in certain individuals.

For this reason, vitamin E supplementation should always be discussed with a physician, especially for stroke survivors who may be taking medications such as blood thinners or other cardiovascular treatments.

Potential Benefits

• Protect brain cells
• Support immune function
• Reduce oxidative stress

How To Get More Vitamin E

• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Spinach
• Avocados

What Is the Best Multivitamin for Stroke Recovery?

After learning about individual nutrients, many stroke survivors wonder whether taking a daily multivitamin might be the easiest way to support recovery.

The truth is that a multivitamin can sometimes help, but it should never replace a balanced diet or medical care. Instead, it can serve as a nutritional safety net that helps fill potential gaps in your diet.

What to Look for in a Multivitamin After Stroke

If you and your doctor decide that a multivitamin makes sense for your recovery plan, it helps to choose one that includes nutrients that support brain and vascular health.

Look for a multivitamin that includes:

• B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) for nerve health and homocysteine regulation
• Vitamin D for muscle function and neurological health
• Vitamin C for antioxidant support
• Vitamin E for cellular protection
• Magnesium or zinc for metabolic and neurological function

Many high-quality multivitamins contain these nutrients in balanced amounts that stay close to recommended daily intake levels. Remember to always discuss any multivitamin or supplement you are considering taking with your doctor beforehand!

Important Reminder: Vitamins Are Only One Piece of Your Stroke Recovery Plan

One thing to remember when considering vitamin supplementation post stroke — it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. Vitamins alone cannot restore lost function after stroke.

Recovery primarily comes from consistent rehabilitation and repetitive practice, which stimulate the brain to form new neural connections.

Vitamins and proper nutrition simply help support that process by ensuring the brain and body have the resources needed for repair.

How to Safely Add Vitamins to Your Stroke Recovery Plan

Before taking any supplements, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider!

Some vitamins can interact with medications commonly prescribed after stroke, including blood thinners so this cannot be overstated that you need to talk with your healthcare provider to see what is appropriate for you!

A healthcare professional can help determine:

• Whether you actually have a deficiency
• The safest dosage
• Possible medication interactions

Supporting Your Brain’s Ability to Recover After Stroke With the Right Vitamins

Stroke recovery often requires patience and persistence. Some days may feel slow, while others bring surprising breakthroughs and that is completely normal.

While vitamins and nutrition can support the healing process, the most powerful driver of recovery remains repetition and consistent therapy because the brain changes when it is challenged repeatedly through movement, practice, and engagement.

So as you focus on healthy nutrition, remember to also keep moving, practicing, and giving your brain the stimulation it needs to rebuild. Progress may take time, but with the right support and persistence, meaningful improvements are possible.

We hope you enjoyed this article and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly articles just like this delivered straight to your inbox — subscribe here.

Natural Compound Combo Restores Aging Brain Cells

 Don't do anything with this until your doctor can guarantee the right prescription. Green tea extract can be dangerous.

 Be very careful with green tea extract:

Herbal supplements linked to at least six Australian organ transplants since 2011, data shows  March 2016

nicotinamide (5 posts to July 2013) You can tell from this date how incompetent your doctor is in not having protocols for this already!

 

How Green Tea Blocks Alzheimer's

The latest here:

Natural Compound Combo Restores Aging Brain Cells

Summary: Scientists have identified a natural compound combination that reverses aging-related brain cell decline and removes harmful Alzheimer’s-linked proteins. The treatment, combining nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and the green tea antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, restores guanosine triphosphate (GTP) levels—critical for neuronal energy and protein cleanup.

In aged neurons, the restored energy boosted protein clearance, reduced oxidative stress, and reactivated key cell trafficking pathways. The findings suggest a potential non-drug strategy for combating Alzheimer’s, though more work is needed to optimize delivery.

Key Facts

• Energy Restoration: Nicotinamide and green tea antioxidant revived GTP levels in aged neurons to youthful levels.
• Protein Clearance Boost: Treatment improved the brain’s ability to remove toxic amyloid beta aggregates.
• Non-Pharmaceutical Potential: Findings point to a supplement-based approach for Alzheimer’s prevention or therapy.

Source: UC Irvine

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have identified a promising nonpharmaceutical treatment that rejuvenates aging brain cells and clears away the buildup of harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a paper published recently in the journal GeroScience, the UC Irvine team reports that a combination of naturally occurring compounds – nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and epigallocatechin gallate (a green tea antioxidant) – can reinstate levels of guanosine triphosphate, an essential energy molecule in brain cells.

“We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function.” Credit: Neuroscience News

In tests on neurons in a dish, the treatment reversed age-related cellular deficits and improved the brain cells’ ability to clear damaging amyloid protein aggregates, an Alzheimer’s hallmark.

“As people age, their brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components,” said lead author Gregory Brewer, adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at UC Irvine. “We found that restoring energy levels helps neurons regain this critical cleanup function.”

The researchers used a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor called GEVAL to track live guanosine triphosphate levels in neurons from aged Alzheimer’s model mice. They discovered that free GTP levels declined with age – particularly in mitochondria, the cells’ energy hubs – leading to impaired autophagy, the process by which cells eliminate damaged components.

But when aged neurons were treated for just 24 hours with nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate, GTP levels were restored to those typically seen in younger cells.

This revival triggered a cascade of benefits: improved energy metabolism; activation of key GTPases involved in cellular trafficking, Rab7 and Arl8b; and efficient clearance of amyloid beta aggregates. Oxidative stress, another contributor to neurodegeneration, was also reduced.

“This study highlights GTP as a previously underappreciated energy source driving vital brain functions,” Brewer said.

“By supplementing the brain’s energy systems with compounds that are already available as dietary supplements, we may have a new path toward treating age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.”

He cautioned, “More work is going to be required to find the best way to administer this treatment, since a recent clinical trial involving UC Irvine researchers showed that oral nicotinamide was not very effective because of inactivation in the bloodstream.”

Brewer’s collaborators were Ricardo Santana, a UC Irvine associate specialist in biomedical engineering, and Joshua McWhirt, a UC Irvine junior specialist who’s now a Ph.D. candidate at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Funding: Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health and the UC Irvine Foundation.

About this supplements and brain aging research news

Author: Brian Bell
Source: UC Irvine
Contact: Brian Bell – UC Irvine
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News

How excess niacin may promote cardiovascular disease

When I was on this drug in a clinical trial it flared up my eczema so bad I quit the trial.

Ask your competent? doctor if this use of niacin for Alzheimer's prevention is more important that the risk of heart disease. S/he has had two years to figure out what human trials have been done and their results. If they don't know that; you don't have a functioning stroke doctor!

Intake of FDA-Approved Drug Modulates Disease Progression in Alzheimer’s Model

 March 2022

The latest here:

How excess niacin may promote cardiovascular disease

At a Glance

• A metabolite of niacin (vitamin B3) was associated with elevated risk of heart attack and stroke, likely due to inflammation in arteries.
• The findings suggest new measures that may prevent or treat cardiovascular disease and raise concerns about the health effects of too much niacin.

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, is found in many foods and supplements. The study suggests that too much may be harmful.Danijela Maksimovic / Shutterstock

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is disease of the heart and blood vessels. CVD is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, it remains widespread. This suggests that there may be risk factors that are not yet recognized.

To investigate, an NIH-funded research team, led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic, searched for products of metabolism that might contribute to CVD risk. The results appeared in Nature Medicine on February 19, 2024.

The team analyzed blood plasma from more than 1,100 people for molecules associated with major adverse cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes. They identified two such molecules, 2PY and 4PY. Both of these are produced when the body breaks down excess niacin.

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, is an essential part of the diet. Many countries require that staple foods like cereals, flour, oats, and grains be fortified with niacin to prevent deficiency. In the United States, niacin must be added to “enriched” foods. The recommended amount of niacin is 14–18 mg/day for adults.

High–dose niacin (1,500–2,000 mg/day) was also one of the first cholesterol-lowering drugs. But studies found that niacin, unlike newer cholesterol-lowering drugs, did not lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Researchers hadn’t understood why.

The researchers examined 2PY and 4PY levels in two other groups, one American and one European, totaling more than 3,000 people. They confirmed that elevated levels of either molecule were associated with increased risk of major cardiac events. People with 2PY or 4PY levels in the top 25% had 1.6-2 times the risk of major cardiac events over the next three years as those with levels in the bottom 25%, even after controlling for other CVD risk factors.

Levels of both 2PY and 4PY were associated with variants in a gene called ACMSD. The team found that levels of another protein, called VCAM-1, were also associated with ACMSD variants. Furthermore, VCAM-1 levels correlated with 2PY and 4PY levels.

VCAM-1 is known to help white blood cells stick to the walls of blood vessels as part of the inflammatory response. This contributes to the formation of plaque in arteries. Injecting mice with 4PY, but not 2PY, increased the amount of VCAM-1 on the walls of blood vessels and the number of stuck white blood cells.

These findings suggest that excess niacin may be a risk factor for CVD. When excess niacin is broken down into 4PY, this breakdown product activates inflammatory pathways that are known to promote plaque formation in arteries. This may increase the risk of major cardiac events.

“Niacin’s effects have always been somewhat of a paradox,” Hazen says. “Despite niacin lowering cholesterol, the clinical benefits have always been less than anticipated based on the degree of LDL [cholesterol] reduction. This led to the idea that excess niacin caused unclear adverse effects that partially counteracted the benefits of LDL lowering. We believe our findings help explain this paradox.”

The study results could lead to better assessment of CVD risk. They also highlight the importance of further research on the health effects of supplemental niacin.

—by Brian Doctrow, Ph.D.

Top 7 Vitamins for Stroke Recovery, Backed by Science from Flint Rehab

Did your doctor prescribe any of these post stroke? Still pretty much useless since there are no amounts.

Top 7 Vitamins for Stroke Recovery, Backed by Science from Flint Rehab

Vitamins for stroke recovery can help boost brain health, but beware of snake oil salesmen, as there’s no one-pill-fits-all answer.
Some supplements that help improve stroke recovery in one person may end up worsening health in another person. To help you avoid this mistake, you’re about to learn why some stroke supplements can be dangerous.
Then, we’ll share an updated list of the best vitamins for stroke recovery.

Take Supplements for Stroke Recovery with Extreme Caution

Before we dig into the list of science-backed vitamins and supplements for stroke recovery, you need to proceed with caution.
You MUST check with your doctor before adding new supplements to your regimen because they can interfere with medication. Furthermore, some stroke supplements are deceiving and can actually make your health worse.

For example, ginko biloba is an herb that is used to help prevent ischemic stroke (the type of stroke caused by a clot) because it’s a natural blood thinner…
However, that means it can also put people with a history of hemorrhagic stroke (the type of stroke caused by a bleed) at higher risk of stroke!
To worsen the situation, this also means that complications can arise if you’re already on blood thinning medication.
This is why it’s extremely important to tell your doctor about any new supplements that you want to take before you try them.
Now, let’s dig into the list of the top supplements and vitamins for stroke recovery.

Quick Summary

Every stroke is different, so a supplement that benefits one person might not benefit you.

The Best Science-Backed Vitamins for Stroke Recovery

After reviewing the latest clinical research, here are the best supplements and vitamins for stroke recovery:

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for stroke recovery because the studies are robust.
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse outcomes after ischemic stroke, which account for 87% of all strokes in America.
Fortunately, after supplementing with vitamin D, “there is a significant improvement in stroke outcomes after 3 months.” (Source: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research)
Getting sufficient vitamin D can also help boost your health by providing neuroprotective, neuromuscular, and osteoprotective benefits. This may help reduce cognitive and functional impairments in stroke patients. (Source: Current Drug Targets)
Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is associated with the stroke risk factors of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. (Source: Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care)
By getting your daily vitamin D, you can help reduce your risk of a second stroke and aid your brain in recovery.
How to get vitamin D naturally:
Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin. Your body can synthesize vitamin D from sun exposure. Just be sun smart and get exposure during off-peak hours (before 10am and after 4pm).
If you can’t get sun exposure due to other medical restrictions (like heightened risk of skin cancer), you can get it from dietary sources like fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks.

Quick Summary

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse outcomes after stroke, while supplementation is associated with better outcomes.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics aren’t a vitamin or mineral. Rather, probiotics are the “good” bacteria that comprise your microbiome, the 100 trillion microbes that live inside your gut.
The bacteria living inside your body serve a very important role – they even have a nervous system of their own called the enteric nervous system.
Through this internal ecosystem, the bacteria in your gut actually communicate with your brain through the gut-brain axis. This connection is bidirectional, which means that it goes both ways. (Source: Annals of Gastroenerology)
Since gut health plays a role in brain health, probiotics made the list of top supplements for stroke recovery.
How to get probiotics naturally:
Great dietary sources of probiotics include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, and miso.

Quick Summary

You need “good” bacteria to support your microbiome, which influences brain health and function via the gut-brain axis.

3. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 can support stroke recovery by boosting proper functioning and development of the brain and nerve cells. (Source: Viatcheslav Wlassoff, PhD)
This helps with stroke recovery because rehabilitation revolves around neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, create new pathways, and rearrange existing ones.
Furthermore, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a type of inflammation that damages the blood vessels. When blood vessels become damaged, excess deposits can develop and interrupt blood flow. If this happens to an artery in the brain, it can lead to a stroke. (Source: VeryWell Health)
How to get vitamin B12 naturally:
Vitamin B12 can be found in animal products like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. If you have a history of stroke risk factors like high cholesterol or atherosclerosis, try lean sources like fish and poultry.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B12 provides critical support for both brain health and blood vessel health.

4. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, can help people recover brain function after stroke. There are 2 reasons for this huge benefit.
First, niacin directly helps with neuroplasticity, which is the primary driver of recovery from stroke. Second, niacin has a proven track record of boosting “good” cholesterol levels, which are statistically low in stroke survivors. (Source: MedicineNet)
While better cholesterol doesn’t directly affect recovery, it does help reduce the risk of a second or recurrent stroke, which is a huge plus.
How to get niacin naturally:
You can find vitamin B3 in tuna, chicken, turkey, and salmon. For some meatless options, you can also find vitamin B3 in peanuts and brown rice – just in lesser quantities.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B3 directly helps with neuroplasticity, which is driving mechanism of stroke recovery.

5. DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that aids brain health. While omega-3s are not vitamins, they still made the list because these nutrients can help with stroke recovery by assisting the brain.
DHA is essential for brain growth in infants, and it’s also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. Furthermore, some studies suggest that DHA has a positive effect on stroke risk factors like hypertension and atherosclerosis. (Source: Pharmacological Research)
DHA is an essential fatty acid, meaning your body cannot produce it on its own – you must get it from your diet (or supplements).
How to get DHA:
This omega-3 can be found in fatty fish like salmon. If you cannot eat fatty fish, due to stroke risk factors like atherosclerosis, then consider fish oil supplements, which provide DHA.
However, if you are on blood thinners like Wayfarin, proceed with extreme caution. Fish oil is contraindicated for some blood thinners.
This is a great example of why you should always check with your doctor before taking new supplements.

Quick Summary

DHA helps with brain function, and you must get it through your diet or supplements because your brain cannot produce it on its own.

6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is most famous for promoting heart health – but it’s good for your brain, too.
The nutrient is a powerful antioxidant provides protection from free radicals, which are toxic molecules associated with disease.
Free radicals are believed to play a role in cardiovascular disease, which is a precursor to stroke. That’s why CoQ10 made the list of top vitamins for stroke recovery, even though it’s a nutrient and not a vitamin.
Supplementation with CoQ10 can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and therefore reduce your risk of a second stroke.
Also, low CoQ10 levels have been associated with greater tissue damage to the brain during stroke. (Source: Medical News Today)
How to get CoQ10 naturally:
CoQ10 can be found in most liver organs like heart, liver, and kidney. However, organ meats are also high in cholesterol and saturated fats, which exacerbate certain stroke risk factors like high cholesterol and obesity.
You can get small amounts of CoQ10 from spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. Due to the low levels of CoQ10 in non-fatty dietary sources, supplementation may be more suitable for stroke patients.
Just be sure to check with your doctor first.

Quick Summary

CoQ10 can boost recovery from stroke by protecting you from damaging free radicals associated with diseases like stroke.

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency might be a stroke risk factor, especially in people with a history of hemorrhagic stroke (the type of stroke caused by a burst artery in the brain).
In a study from the American Academy of Neurology, 65 survivors of hemorrhagic stroke were compared to 65 healthy people. On average, those who suffered a stroke had depleted levels of vitamin C while healthy people did not.
Study author Stephane Vannier, MD, concluded that “vitamin C deficiency should be considered a risk factor for this severe type of stroke.”
How to get vitamin C naturally:
While oranges are the most well-known source of vitamin C, there are even better sources like papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.
Dr. Stephane Vannier, from Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes, does not recommend supplementing vitamin C if you are not deficient.

Quick Summary

People with a history of hemorrhagic stroke should pay attention to their vitamin C levels to promote overall health.