Nutrition plays a critical role in the recovery process following surgery. Addressing any pre-existing deficiencies before surgery can significantly improve surgical outcomes. By ordering nutritional labs prior to surgery to assess levels of key nutrients—such as vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin B6/B12, and others—healthcare providers can tailor supplementation to enhance recovery.

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)

• Why it’s important: AAKG helps with nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to tissues, which aids in wound healing and muscle recovery post-surgery.
• Supplementation: 2–3 grams per day.
• Sources: Typically supplemented in powder or capsule form.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

• Why it’s important: BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) reduce muscle breakdown, promote protein synthesis, and support overall recovery.
• Supplementation: 5–10 grams per day, especially around surgery and during post-operative recovery.
• Sources: Supplemented in powder or capsule form, and found in high-quality protein sources like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Citrulline

• Why it’s important: Citrulline improves nitric oxide production, blood flow, and oxygen delivery to tissues, which can enhance post-surgical recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
• Supplementation: 6–8 grams per day.
• Sources: Often taken as a supplement (L-citrulline), and found in watermelon.

Creatine

• Why it’s important: Creatine helps replenish ATP (adenosine triphosphate) stores in muscles, supports muscle mass and strength, and aids in recovery post-surgery.
• Supplementation: 3–5 grams per day, with an optional loading phase of 20 grams/day for 5–7 days.
• Sources: Creatine monohydrate is the most common supplement form; also found in small amounts in meat.

HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate)

• Why it’s important: HMB is a metabolite of leucine and prevents muscle breakdown while preserving lean muscle mass, particularly during periods of physical stress like recovery after surgery.
• Supplementation: 3 grams per day.
• Sources: Typically supplemented in powder or capsule form.

Magnesium

• Why it’s important: Magnesium is crucial for muscle function, nerve conduction, stress response, protein synthesis, and bone health, all of which are important for recovery.
• Supplementation: 200–400 mg per day, depending on deficiency.
• Sources: Magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate supplements, as well as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Why it’s important: Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and aid in collagen formation, which is essential for wound healing.
• Supplementation: 1000–3000 mg of EPA and DHA combined per day.
• Sources: Fish oil supplements, fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Protein

• Why it’s important: Protein supports tissue repair, immune function, and muscle maintenance, vital for post-surgery recovery. It also helps prevent muscle wasting.
• Supplementation: 1.2–2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
• Sources: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu.

Vitamin B6 and B12

• Why they’re important: Vitamin B6 supports protein metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter synthesis, while vitamin B12 supports red blood cell production and nerve health.
• Supplementation: Vitamin B6: 50–100 mg daily. Vitamin B12: 500–1000 mcg daily.
• Sources: B6 is found in poultry, fish, and fortified cereals; B12 is primarily in animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs.

Vitamin D

• Why it’s important: Vitamin D supports immune function, bone health, and muscle function. It’s crucial for calcium absorption and reducing infection risk post-surgery.
• Supplementation: Maintenance Dose: 1000–2000 IU per day. Deficiency Treatment: 50,000 IU per week for 6–8 weeks to correct deficiency, followed by a maintenance dose.
• Sources: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements, fortified foods, and fatty fish.

Vitamin E

• Why it’s important: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects tissues from oxidative stress and supports immune function and wound healing.
• Supplementation: 200–400 IU per day.
• Sources: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy greens.

Zinc

• Why it’s important: Zinc is essential for immune function, protein synthesis, and cell division—key processes for wound healing after surgery.
• Supplementation: 15–30 mg daily.
• Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts.

Optimizing nutrition before and after surgery is essential for improving recovery, reducing complications, and supporting overall health. Key nutrients like protein, vitamin D, magnesium, BCAAs, and other supplements such as HMB, creatine, and omega-3s help ensure optimal healing and recovery.