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Repairing and Protecting the Brain: Micronutrient Interventions for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

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Hemisfair C3

CPE: 1.0

Proficiency: Advanced knowledge/expertise

Track: Sports & Human Performance Nutrition

Theme: Clinical Updates & Evolving Practice

Description

Brain health is a critical concern for tactical athletes and Service Members who face increased risks of mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and concussions, elevated exposure to blast overpressure, and repeated head trauma throughout their military careers. Emerging research underscores the vital role of micronutrients and targeted supplementation in addressing the brain’s energy crisis, inflammatory cascade, cognitive recovery, and overall healing following a concussion. In this session, Army Performance Dietitians will bridge evidence-based nutrition research with practical applications for elite military populations. LTC Christina Deehl will present the latest findings on omega-3 fatty acids, creatine monohydrate, vitamin D, and other key micronutrients that enhance brain resilience and recovery after concussion. MAJ Megan Ripperger will detail the critical role of early nutrition interventions in collaboration with multi-disciplinary concussion care, showcasing how early nutrition interventions within 72 hours of injury can support recovery. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to implement evidence-based nutrition approaches to support recovery after concussions and mTBI, applicable across athletic, clinical, and military settings.

Learning Objectives

  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of current evidence supporting micronutrient interventions to support brain resilience and recovery after concussion.
  • Identify key nutrients and dosages recommended in evidence-based concussion nutrition interventions.
  • Apply clinically informed micronutrient interventions for Soldiers or athletes recovering from a concussion or at risk of head injury.

Performance Indicators

  • 5.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision making.
  • 9.2.3 Seeks and analyzes new scientific information and how it impacts medical nutrition therapy.
  • 9.3.5 Evaluates sport/dietary supplements (safety, legality, efficacy, quality, application to sport) and considers evidence-based reviews and testing by reputable third parties before recommending sports/dietary supplements.

Speakers

  • Christina Deehl photo

    Christina Deehl

    Executive Officer, 32nd Medical Brigade, U.S. Army

    LTC Christina Deehl is a U.S. Army Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist currently serving as the Brigade Executive Officer for 32nd Medical Brigade under the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. She is also an instructor for the Army-Baylor Master’s Program in Nutrition and a PhD candidate in Health and Human Performance at Concordia University Chicago. LTC Deehl has over 16 years of experience leading tactical and clinical nutrition programs across the operational force. She previously served as the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Director for the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, Human Performance Optimization Deputy for XVIII Airborne Corps, and Command Human Performance Dietitian for U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Her research and publications focus on nutrition’s role in injury prevention, recovery, performance optimization, and Soldier readiness. A passionate advocate for improving the Army’s nutrition culture, she is recognized for her leadership in advancing evidence-based fueling strategies that enhance resilience, readiness, and the long-term health of Soldiers. She has presented nationally and regionally on military nutrition, interdisciplinary H2F integration, and performance fueling strategies.
  • Megan Ripperger photo

    Megan Ripperger

    Performance Dietitian, US Army

    Megan Ripperger, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, CSCS is a U.S. Army Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. With over 9 years of experience, she has designed, led, and implemented performance nutrition programs to optimize tactical performance, support recovery after injury, and address their nutrition needs throughout Warfighters careers. Her current role is the Regimental Dietitian for the 75th Ranger Regiment and previous roles include Sports Dietitian Fellow with the United States Corps of Cadets, Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Nutrition Director with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, and Chief of Clinical Nutrition at Martin Army Community Hospital. Her areas of research and publications focus on brain resilience and recovery after concussion, the physiological effects of elite military training on men and women, and injury prevention and recovery. She actively seeks challenging opportunities to gain firsthand experience in the unique physiological and nutritional demands of tactical athletes. She leverages innovative nutrition strategies to enhance the performance, readiness, and longevity of Soldiers.

Moderator

  • Allison Sanchez photo

    Allison Sanchez

    Research Director, Army Baylor Masters Program in Nutrition, U.S. Army

    Allison Sanchez, PhD, RD, CSSD, LD, is Research Director and Assistant-Professor for the U.S. Army-Baylor University Master’s Program in Nutrition in San Antonio, TX. Her research explores the impact of nutrition on athlete health and performance with a focus on intentional weight gain. Allison has been a Registered Dietitian in the U.S. Army since 2011 and a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics since 2014.

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