The Use of Nutritional Supplements as a Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. A Narrative Review

AimTo evaluate the therapeutic potential of nutritional supplementation as a complementary strategy to mitigate secondary injury mechanisms and promote recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsThis narrative review synthesizes current preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of micronutrients and macronutrients in SCI management, focusing on their mechanisms of action in neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and functional recovery.ResultsSCI is a severe neurological condition characterized by long-term motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction, largely driven by secondary injury processes such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis. Evidence indicates that micronutrients-including vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E, as well as trace elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium-exert neuroprotective effects by modulating inflammatory responses, reducing oxidative damage, supporting mitochondrial function, and enhancing myelination. Additionally, macronutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive compounds including alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and acetyl-L-carnitine contribute to axonal regeneration, metabolic support, and functional recovery. Collectively, these nutrients target key pathophysiological pathways involved in secondary SCI progressionConclusionsNutritional supplementation represents a promising, safe, and accessible adjunctive strategy to enhance neuroprotection and improve outcomes in individuals with SCI. However, further research is required to optimize dosing, timing, and combinatorial approaches to maximize therapeutic efficacy.