How Does Vitamin C Help Recovery From Shoulder Surgery?

Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant and is also required by our body's enzymes to make collagen (the primary protein that makes up our muscles, tendons, and ligaments) and some critical nerve signaling molecules (neurotransmitters). Vitamin C is also important for our immune function and improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Why it matters after surgery

Sufficient vitamin C levels are critically important after surgery when the body is trying to heal the repaired tissues and wound with strong and healthy collagen. Studies have shown that 500mg of vitamin C twice a day lowers pain after surgery and has the potential to increase rotator cuff tendon healing.

How long to take it

While the surgical recovery is different for every patient, the healing phase of surgery, including tissue repair and remodeling, extends a minimum of 3 months after most surgical procedures. Accordingly, having sufficient levels of vitamin C for one month before surgery and 3 months after surgery, if not longer, is highly recommended.

Dr. Patrick Denard has been voted one of the top 20 Shoulder Surgeons in North America, and has been ranked in the top 1% of researchers for shoulder. Dr. Denard is committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to his patients, not only from a surgical standpoint, but also by considering the overall picture including avoidance of narcotics, and optimizing nutrition and rehabilitation.

References

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• Frei B, England L, Ames BN. Ascorbate is an outstanding antioxidant in human blood plasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1989;86:6377-81.
• Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1086-107.
• Coulter I, Hardy M, Shekelle P, Udani J, Spar M, Oda K, et al. Effect of the supplemental use of antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 75. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2003.
• Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019.