Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant and is also required by our body’s enzymes to make collagen (the primary protein that makes us 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.
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 the 500mg of Vitamin C twice a day lower pain after surgery and have the potential to increase rotator cuff tendon healing.
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 of 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. With this approach, over 95% of his patients are able to go the same day of surgery. Many patients travel to the Oregon Shoulder Institute to seek care for their shoulder. To request a shoulder opinion follow the link below to schedule a consult:
https://www.oregonshoulder.com/request-an-appointment
References
Li Y, Schellhorn HE. New developments and novel therapeutic perspectives for vitamin C. J Nutr 2007;137:2171-84.
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. AHRQ Publication No. 04-E003. 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 Carotenoidsexternal link disclaimer. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Centralexternal link disclaimer, 2019.
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