Best Post-Surgery Supplements To Aid Your Recovery

As your body recovers from surgery, it can be overwhelming trying to find out which supplements you should be prioritising. Your body and immune system will be weaker than usual, so it is important for you to consume these essential vitamins and minerals to speed up your recovery and get your life back to normal as soon as possible. 


The body often loses blood during surgery, meaning levels of iron in the body are depleted. Iron is a key component in haemoglobin which transfers oxygen in the blood to tissue. Without iron and therefore haemoglobin, it is difficult to maintain healthy tissue. It is even more important to increase levels of iron after tissues are damaged during surgery. Iron can be found in almost every multi-vitamin tablet, making it easy to access it, alongside many other important vitamins. 

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is great for promoting the production of collagen which provides the body with much needed protection after surgery. Collagen is a protein containing amino acids which enable your body to gradually regain its strength with some much needed fuel. Also, the collagen produced as a result of the vitamin A will help to maintain skin elasticity, as well as contributing to the healing of skin. 

Vitamin C

This vitamin is believed to support the body in strengthening tissue throughout the body, supporting the healing of wounds and fighting off infection due to its highly effective antioxidant properties. Research has supported the ability of vitamin C to improve wound healing, as like vitamin A, it produces collagen. Vitamin C can also help to relieve oxidative stress which is caused by excess free radicals in the body. Without vitamin C, this oxidative stress could cause damage to your cells. 

Vitamin D

In order to support your immune function, you should be taking vitamin D tablets. Any major surgery causes stress to the body which ultimately impacts the immune system. In response to toxins in the body, vitamin D can protect against infection. The stronger your immune system is, the more prepared your body will be to fight off infection and reduce the chance of further complications. Additionally, if your body is already weak, something as simple as the common cold could set you back, so preparing your immune system for hits like that both before and after surgery is a sensible thing to do. 

Vitamin K

In order for wounds to heal properly, and also quickly, blood clotting is required. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting in order to reduce the recovery time needed. It is important to speak to your doctor before taking vitamin K supplements, as for some people it can be beneficial, however after some surgeries people can be prone to dangerous clotting. Vitamin K can be useful, but you must check with your doctor before taking supplements or eating vitamin K rich foods, which are mainly any green vegetables. 


Supplements are highly efficient ways to access the essential vitamins and minerals you need to help your body recover properly after surgery. Every case is different, so it is best to speak to your doctor to discuss exactly which supplements are safe for you to take, as well as establishing the appropriate doses.