GLOSSARY

Recovery From Concussion The recovery process after concussion, guided by clinical assessment and appropriate return-to-activity decisions.

Concussion requires appropriate medical assessment and a guided return to daily activity and sport. Nutrition can support adequate intake, hydration and recovery when symptoms interfere with eating, but no supplement has established a universal curative protocol for sport-related concussion. Headache, nausea or sleep problems may require practical meal adjustments and clinical follow-up. Avoid interpreting a plausible biochemical mechanism or animal experiment as proof of benefit in an injured athlete. Worsening neurological symptoms should prompt urgent assessment rather than additional nutritional self-treatment.

During injury, reduced movement does not mean nutritional needs disappear. Tissue repair and rehabilitation still require energy, protein and micronutrients, while total expenditure may change. Severe restriction can worsen muscle loss; excessive intake can also be unhelpful. Review appetite, immobilization, surgery, medication and the planned rehabilitation load. Distribute suitable protein-containing foods and correct identified deficiencies rather than promising that a single supplement will heal a tendon or fracture. Nutrition supports the rehabilitation program and does not replace clinical treatment or graded return decisions.

For example, nausea after concussion can make regular meals difficult, so the care team may use smaller tolerated options. Maintain medical follow-up and the recommended return process. An appealing supplement mechanism is not enough to establish recovery or to clear the athlete for contact sport.

An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients while fitting health needs. A high score for variety or a healthy food label cannot independently demonstrate adequacy. Review what is actually eaten, including foods excluded and suitable replacements. Athletes can consume many vegetables yet still lack enough energy or carbohydrate for training. Assess the overall pattern, distribution and relevant nutrient risks rather than assuming that a single food or supplement makes the entire diet balanced.

Sleep supports recovery and cannot be replaced by a nutrient or drink. Protein consumed before sleep can provide amino acids overnight and may be useful when it helps meet the athlete's daily needs. Evidence from particular training studies does not establish that everyone needs a bedtime supplement or that casein is mandatory. Consider the evening meal, total protein, gastrointestinal comfort and sleep quality. Late caffeine, very large meals or excessive drinking can interfere with the recovery goal.

A guideline translates evidence into recommendations for a defined population and setting; a consensus statement records an agreed expert interpretation. Neither format removes the need to inspect evidence quality, conflicts of interest, publication date and applicability. A strong-sounding position is not automatically supported by strong trials. Distinguish established practice from a research hypothesis, and revise advice when better evidence emerges. For athletes, explain which part is broadly supported and which is an individualized practical choice rather than presenting every option as mandatory.

A nutrition care record should explain the assessment, interpretation, agreed plan, responsible professionals and follow-up criteria. Separate reported information from measured findings and clinical judgments. Record relevant units, dates, methods and changes so that another practitioner can understand the decision. Seek consent for sharing sensitive information and limit access appropriately. A referral should communicate the specific concern and urgency rather than only a broad label. In sport, documentation should support continuity of care while protecting health information from inappropriate use in coaching or selection.