Does Dr. Perlmutter Recommend Supplements for Brain Health?

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, chronic degenerative conditions, many of which involve brain health, now represent the number one health threat globally. This situation is a major reason why Dr. David Perlmutter, a leading neurologist and author, frequently recommends a variety of nutritional supplements to his patients and followers.

Quick Summary

Dr. David Perlmutter advocates for using supplements like probiotics, DHA, and Vitamin D to support brain health and combat inflammation, often alongside a low-carb diet. These recommendations are based on his research into the gut-brain connection and the role of nutrients in neurological function. He emphasizes consulting a physician to personalize supplement regimens.

Key Points

Supports Supplements: Dr. Perlmutter strongly endorses supplements to address nutritional deficiencies and support brain health, alongside a healthy diet.
Core Recommendations: Key supplements he advocates for include DHA (omega-3), Vitamin D3, and probiotics.
Anti-Inflammatory Focus: His recommendations often target chronic inflammation, with supplements like turmeric and alpha-lipoic acid.
Personalized Approach: Perlmutter advises a personalized approach to supplementation, especially for Vitamin D, recommending blood tests.
Holistic Approach: Supplements are part of a broader strategy that includes a low-carb diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
Gut-Brain Connection: A major pillar of his advice is the gut-brain axis, with probiotics and prebiotics playing a central role.

Understanding Dr. Perlmutter’s Approach to Supplementation

Dr. David Perlmutter's approach to health, particularly brain health, emphasizes that many neurological problems are linked to chronic inflammation and gut microbiome imbalances. He sees supplements as tools to supplement a healthy diet, address common nutritional gaps, and counteract environmental stressors. His recommendations are grounded in scientific research on how specific nutrients improve cognitive function and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Foundational Supplements for Brain Health

Dr. Perlmutter often recommends a few key supplements for foundational brain support:

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): This omega-3 fatty acid is vital for brain function. Dr. Perlmutter often cites studies connecting higher DHA levels to a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Probiotics: Highlighting the gut-brain connection, Dr. Perlmutter suggests a probiotic with a substantial number of active cultures and various strains like Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium lactis for a healthy microbiome.
Vitamin D: Considered crucial for brain health, Vitamin D helps regulate inflammation and cognitive decline. Dr. Perlmutter recommends Vitamin D3 and advises monitoring blood levels to determine appropriate supplementation.

Additional Supplements for a Comprehensive Plan

Dr. Perlmutter also discusses other supplements for specific benefits, such as reducing inflammation or managing uric acid levels.

Turmeric: Its active compound, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant believed to support mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism for brain health.
Resveratrol: This compound, found in red wine, is thought to promote healthy aging, enhance blood flow to the brain, and support the immune system.
Alpha-lipoic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect brain and nerve tissues from damage.
Coconut Oil: Rich in MCTs, it is often mentioned for its potential cognitive benefits.
Quercetin and Luteolin: These polyphenols are suggested for managing uric acid levels, which Dr. Perlmutter links to metabolic health.

Supplementing for an Integrated Health Plan

Supplements are just one part of Dr. Perlmutter's holistic approach. His dietary recommendations, focusing on low-carb, high-fat, and anti-inflammatory foods, work together with supplements. He also stresses the importance of lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, and stress management. Prebiotic foods, such as garlic and onions, complement probiotics by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.

Comparison of Key Perlmutter-Recommended Supplements


Supplement	Primary Benefit	Mechanism of Action	Notes
DHA	Supports cognitive function; reduces dementia risk	Critical component of brain cell membranes; reduces inflammation.	Best obtained from fatty fish or algae-based sources.
Probiotics	Improves gut-brain axis; boosts mood	Balances gut microbiome; influences production of neurotransmitters.	Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are key.
Vitamin D3	Fights inflammation; protects against cognitive decline	Activates genes responsible for inflammation control and cell protection.	Check blood levels to determine optimal approach.
Turmeric	Anti-inflammatory; antioxidant	Curcumin protects mitochondria and improves glucose metabolism.	Look for high-quality extract with good bioavailability.
Alpha-lipoic Acid	Protects brain and nerve tissue	Powerful antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress.	Works well in conjunction with dietary modifications.
Resveratrol	Boosts blood flow to the brain; antioxidant	Found in red wine; slows aging processes and promotes brain function.	Can also be found in grapes and berries.

The Interplay of Diet and Supplements

Dr. Perlmutter emphasizes that diet and supplements work together for a comprehensive health strategy. He highlights the importance of prebiotic-rich foods like garlic and onions to support the beneficial gut bacteria introduced by probiotics. Consuming healthy fats from sources like avocados and olive oil also supports brain structure, complementing omega-3 supplements. This integrated approach, combined with a low-sugar, low-carb diet, aims to reduce systemic inflammation, which he views as a root cause of many chronic conditions.

Conclusion

Dr. Perlmutter clearly recommends supplements as part of a comprehensive plan for brain health and overall well-being. While he stresses the importance of a nutrient-dense diet, he believes supplementation is often necessary due to modern lifestyle pressures and depleted soils. His primary recommendations include DHA, probiotics, and Vitamin D, along with other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. He consistently advises that supplement use should be individualized and ideally guided by blood tests and consultation with a healthcare provider.

This integrated approach of diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplements reflects Perlmutter's belief in actively protecting and enhancing neurological health. For more detailed information on his nutritional guidelines and specific recommendations, his official website is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Perlmutter's core recommendations include DHA (omega-3), probiotics, and Vitamin D3. He also frequently recommends antioxidants like turmeric and alpha-lipoic acid, as well as resveratrol and coconut oil for brain health.

He recommends probiotics to support the gut-brain connection. Research shows that a healthy gut microbiome, supported by probiotics, can influence brain function and modulate effects related to stress, anxiety, and depression.

No, he emphasizes that supplements should be used in conjunction with a healthy, anti-inflammatory, and low-carb diet. Supplements are meant to fill nutritional gaps and provide targeted support, not to replace the benefits of whole foods.

Beyond his main recommendations, he also suggests supplements like quercetin and luteolin, which are polyphenols that can help manage uric acid levels. These are often used as part of a more integrated, targeted plan.

His recommendations are based on his philosophy that modern health issues, particularly those affecting the brain, are tied to inflammation and gut imbalances. The supplements he suggests, alongside his dietary plan, are all geared toward reducing inflammation and nurturing a healthy gut microbiome.

Yes, Dr. Perlmutter often recommends testing, such as blood tests for Vitamin D levels, to help personalize supplement regimens and ensure optimal benefits.

Dr. Perlmutter's official website is a valuable resource for more detailed information on his nutritional guidelines and specific recommendations.