The Relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Due to Brain Injury and Glutamate Intake: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The precise neurobiological mechanisms linking TBI and PTSD remain unclear.
• Chronic glutamate neurotoxicity is hypothesized as a potential contributing factor.

Approach:

• This systematic review investigated the association between dietary glutamate consumption and the incidence of PTSD after TBI.
• A comprehensive literature search identified 1748 articles, with 44 selected for detailed analysis.
• Statistical analysis examined the odds of developing PTSD in relation to dietary glutamate levels.

Key Points:

• Individuals from regions with diets traditionally high in glutamate exhibited significantly higher odds of developing PTSD post-TBI (OR = 15.2, p < 0.01).
• Dietary glutamate intake represents a modifiable factor influencing systemic and potentially cerebral glutamate concentrations.
• Findings support the hypothesis that elevated glutamate levels, influenced by diet, may contribute to neurodegenerative processes implicated in PTSD.

Conclusions:

• High dietary glutamate intake may be a risk factor for developing PTSD after TBI.
• Chronic glutamate neurotoxicity, potentially driven by diet, could play a role in the pathophysiology of post-TBI PTSD.
• Further research is warranted to explore dietary glutamate modulation as a preventative or therapeutic strategy for post-TBI PTSD.