Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins in the body and helps promote wound healing. It also helps fight infections and heal wounds. Vitamin B12 promotes the growth of healthy new skin cells, which gives your skin a fuller look. You can find these vitamins in various fruits and vegetables including oranges, strawberries, melons and papaya.
I’m going to tell you all about a little vitamin called C and give you advice to help you heal your wounds fast. If you’ve ever had an infection, then you know how frustrating it can be. If you have a wound that won’t heal, this vitamin will help your wound to heal. I hope when you are finished reading this article, you can see that just because someone has an infection doesn’t mean they aren’t healthy.
vitamin that helps heal wounds
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is important to help heal wounds, when your body is injured. Why? Because vitamin C helps with inflammation, which speeds up the healing process and keeps everything clean.
The wound healing process is a complex process and not easily understood. One of the most important steps in this process is the wound’s ability to fight off an infection.
what vitamin helps fight infections and heal wounds
A wound is one of the most painful, frustrating and challenging injuries. Whether it’s a small scratch or a nasty-looking wound, everyone wants to get rid of it fast so they can go back to doing normal stuff. But how can we do that? By taking care of the wound naturally through natural remedies such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and so more…
Wounds are a common occurrence in the human body. A wound can be a small one or as big as a huge gash that goes down through your leg. There are many different types of wounds, but all come with similar challenges most of which require medical attention. Wounds can range from simple cuts and scrapes to severe injuries. While some may heal on their own, they may take more time than others depending on what caused the injury in the first place.
vitamin c wound healing
We’ve all had a wound: a cut, scratch or scrape that breaks the skin. Most wounds on healthy people heal quickly when kept clean and free of infection, while other types of wounds are more serious and require medical intervention.
Serious wounds may include decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure sores or bed sores. Decubitus ulcers develop where bones are close to the skin — such as ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. These wounds are a risk for people who are bedridden, use a wheelchair or are unable to change their position. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing foot ulcers that can take weeks or months to heal.
Fortunately, healthful food choices may help with recovery by providing the calories, vitamins, minerals and protein necessary to promote healing.
Promote Wound Healing with Good Nutrition
Plan healthy, balanced meals and snacks that include the right amount of foods from all the MyPlate food groups — protein foods, fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains.
Choose vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli or strawberries. For adequate zinc, choose fortified grains and protein foods, such as beef, chicken, seafood or beans. Some wounds may require a higher intake of certain vitamins and minerals to support healing. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Include adequate protein throughout the day. Include a source of protein at each meal or snack. A sample menu may include scrambled eggs for breakfast, black bean tacos for lunch, yogurt or cheese for a snack and chicken at dinner.
Stay well-hydrated with water or other unsweetened beverages.
For people with diabetes, control blood sugar levels to help prevent wounds from developing and to support healing and recovery.
A registered dietitian nutritionist can work with you to develop an individualized eating plan that meets your specific needs.
Supplement Speeds Wound Healing
Antioxidant Cocktail Contains 4 Skin-Friendly Substances
By Sid Kirchheimer
FROM THE WEBMD ARCHIVES
July 8, 2004 — Time may heal all wounds, but a new study shows that taking a supplement that combines several antioxidant nutrients can do it nearly 20% faster.
In practical terms, this translates to shaving about three days off the recovery time following a facelift or similar plastic surgery procedures.
“That really is dramatic, and frankly, I didn’t expect it,” says researcher Rod J. Rohrich, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and chairman of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
“If you can translate this kind of faster healing after a facelift or a breast augmentation, you are talking about a cost savings in the recovery process and getting back to work sooner that could amount to billions [of dollars],” he tells WebMD.
In a small study, Rohrich and his colleagues at UT’s Advanced Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory tested the effects of a new supplement called InflammEnz, available via the Internet but only with a doctor’s prescription.
Twenty-six patients with open wounds from a biopsy received either the oral supplement daily or a placebo. Doctors monitored the healing process of their wounds.
The result: Those getting InflammEnz healed 17% faster, and experienced less redness and swelling at the site of the biopsy.
A Magic Ingredient or Combination?
InflammEnz, an herbal product, contains seven different nutrients and enzymes, including calcium and potassium. But there are four in particular that are suspected of boosting the healing process noted in Rohrich’s study:
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is required for the synthesis of collagen. It is also a highly effective antioxidant protecting cells from damage by free radicals. Studies have shown that the vitamin can help speed the healing process of wounds.
Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory enzyme found in the stem of pineapple plants. It reduces muscle and tissue swelling especially following injuries or surgery.
Rutin, a nutrient in plant foods, is believed to protect blood vessels, prevent bruising, and intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body.
Grape seed extract, a popular health supplement that evidence shows may build new blood vessels and help vitamin C enter cells, strengthening cell membranes and prevent scarring in tissue.
SUGGESTED
“Obviously, more study is needed before we can routinely recommend this product to plastic surgeons to help their patients heal faster, but it certainly is promising,” Rohrich tells WebMD. “The next step is to separate each of these four ingredients out to better determine which one is really providing the benefit, or if there is an synergetic effect in which all four or some combination of them work together.”
His current study, published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was funded by Enzymes, Inc. of Parkville, Mo., the company that manufactures InflammEnz.
Doctors Not Surprised
Two experts contacted by WebMD — both members of the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (AAPRP), which represents doctors that work professional and amateur boxing matches — weren’t surprised by these findings because they say the wound-healing properties of some of these ingredients are well-known … and often used.
“As a plastic surgeon, I put all my patients on post-operative vitamin C because you need vitamin C to heal. I also recommend it to boxers following a fight,” says Michael A. Fiorillo, MD, a New York City area plastic surgeon who serves as a spokesman for the AAPRP. “In fact, I’d recommend 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C to anyone with an open wound because there is evidence that it helps them heal faster.”
The amount of vitamin C in an InflammEnz pill is 150 milligrams.
However, vitamin C is not routinely given to boxers before a fight because it can “thin” the blood similarly to aspirin, explains Ferdinand Louis Rios, MD, a general surgeon in California who is also with the AAPRP and once served as team doctor for the U.S. Olympic boxing team.
“But I do recommend it following an injury to the skin because it builds collagen, and I have long used it post-operatively in my surgical practice,” he tells WebMD.
Rios also has given grape seed extract supplements to speed healing in his surgical and boxing patients, and Fiorillo says that using bromelain as a post-operative measure “has been around for a while, and seems to definitely promote healing.”
Top 5 Nutrients for Wound Healing
If you have a pressure injury, nutrition becomes especially important. Consume a variety of foods to ensure that you get enough nutrients to help with wound healing.
CALORIES
Having a pressure injury increases your calorie needs. You may need to add extra calories to food if you have trouble gaining weight. Getting enough calories helps your body to avoid using protein for energy during times of stress or illness.
Recommendation: 30-35 calories per kilogram of body weight per day for people under physical stress with a pressure injury (adjust for underweight or obesity)
TIP: Consume snacks or eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling too full to eat enough.
Good sources:
Oral nutrition supplements
Nuts, seeds and nut butters
Vegetable oil, butter, cream
Avocado and dried fruit
PROTEIN
Protein is necessary to make and repair tissue. You may need extra protein if you have a large or draining wound or if you are underweight. Adequate protein intake will help your body maintain a positive nitrogen balance for wound healing.
Recommendation: 1-1.5 grams/kilogram/day
TIP: More than 2 grams/kilogram may contribute to dehydration in the elderly.
Good sources:
Beef, poultry, pork, fish, seafood, eggs
Milk, yogurt, cheese
Fortified milk
1 quart of whole or low-fat milk
1 cup powdered non-fat dry milk or protein powder
Blend and chill for at least 6 hours
Beans, nuts, soy
Protein
WATER
Your body needs water to transport nutrients and get rid of waste products. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. You may need more if you have a draining wound, high-protein diet, fever, use air-infused beds, or have negative pressure wound therapy.
Recommendation: 30-35 milliliters/day or 1 milliliter/calorie consumed
Good sources:
Fruits and vegetables
Juice and milk
Jell-O
Popsicles
Broth-based soups
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C helps prevent damage to your cells and repair tissue. You may need a vitamin C supplement if you have wound that is difficult to heal or if you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.
Recommendation: For clinical or suspected deficiency supplement up to 2,000 daily until resolved.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults: 75-90 milligrams per day
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for adults: 2,000 milligrams per day
TIP: There is a risk of toxicity in patients with chronic renal failure and high doses of vitamin C may also cause gastric upset.
Good Sources:
Citrus fruit and kiwi
Bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower
kiwi
ZINC
You need zinc to make collagen, a major protein in connective tissue necessary for wound healing.
You should be able to get enough zinc from food and a daily multivitamin but your needs may be increased if you have heavily draining wounds or if you don’t eat enough food.
Recommendation: For clinical deficiency: 40 to 50 milligrams of elemental zinc for up to 30 days.
RDA for adults: 8-11 milligrams per day
ULs for adults: 10 milligrams per day
TIP: Long term high doses of zinc, such as from a supplement, inhibits copper absorption, contributing to anemia, impaired immune system and poor wound healing.
Good Sources:
Seafood (especially oysters)
Beef, pork, chicken
Yogurt and cheese
Fortified breakfast cereal, oatmeal, cashews
Chickpeas
nutrition and wound healing
Nutritious Recipes
Tempeh Gyros with Tzatziki
333 Calories, 12.8 g fat, 3 g sugar, 22 g protein, 4 g fiber
TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
SERVINGS: 4
1 (8 Oz) package tempeh
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 C water
1/4 C minced yellow onion
2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 Tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tsp chopped fresh oregano
4 garlic cloves, minced and divided
1/4 Tsp black pepper, divided
3/4 C silken tofu (about 6 Oz)
1/2 C peeled and grated English cucumber
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
1/2 Tsp white wine vinegar
1/4 Tsp kosher salt
4 (1.9 Oz) whole-grain flatbread wraps
1/2 C vertically sliced red onion
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
SLICE tempeh lengthwise into 8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices.
HEAT oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Place tempeh slices in skillet and cook until golden-brown. 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Meanwhile, STIR together 1/2 cup water, minced onion, soy sauce, rosemary, oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
ADD soy sauce mixture to tempeh in pan. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Braise tempeh turning occasionally until liquid has mostly evaporated and tempeh has absorbed the flavors, about 10 minutes.
PROCESS silken tofu and remaining 2 garlic cloves in a high-powered blender until smooth. Place in a bowl. Stir in cucumber, lemon juice, dill, vinegar, salt, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
DIVIDE tempeh evenly among flatbreads and top each with about 2 teaspoons tzatziki. Divide onion slices and tomatoes evenly among gyros.
Grilled Steak with Peperonata Sauce
Nutrients for Wound Healing
454 calories, 23 g fat, 17 g sugar, 39 g protein, 280 mg vitamin C, 7 mg zinc, 4 g dietary fiber
PREP TIME: 20 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 55 MIN + marinating time
SERVINGS: 4
4 Cloves garlic
½ C dry red wine
12 Small fresh basil leaves
1 Tsp dried rosemary
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1½ Lb. flank steak
1 Large onion, sliced
4 Large bell peppers, sliced
½ Tsp dried oregano
5 Tsp capers, rinsed
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
SMASH 2 of the garlic cloves. Finely chop remaining 2 cloves and set aside. Add smashed garlic to zip-top bag along with wine, basil, rosemary, and 2 Tbsp. of the oil. Add steak and chill 6 hours.
HEAT 1 Tbsp. of the oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until golden, 10 minutes. Add peppers, oregano, and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Cover and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Add reserved chopped garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in capers and vinegar and cook 2 minutes. Season to taste.
PREPARE lightly oiled grill for medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade (discard marinade) and sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt. Season with black pepper. Grill, turning, 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let stand 3 minutes and thinly slice against the grain. Top with peperonata.
Healthy Protein Smoothie
585 calories, 59 g protein, 22 g fat, 38 g carbohydrate, 8 g fiber
Blend together:
12 Oz water (can also use milk or yogurt)
2 Scoops chocolate flavored protein powder (or 6 Tbsp. powdered non-fat dry milk)
1 Banana
1 C of spinach
2 Tbsp. of natural peanut butter
1 Tbsp. cacao nibs or dark cocoa powder
High-Calorie, High-Protein Fruit Smoothie
320 calories, 60 g carbohydrate, 19 g protein, 2 g total fat
Makes 1 large serving
Ingredients
6 Oz (¾ C) orange juice
1 Banana
6 Frozen strawberries (unsweetened)
1 Oz (3 Tbsp.) protein powder or powdered non-fat dry milk
Directions: Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth
Fortified Oatmeal
1 serving (approximately 10 Oz or 1⅓ Cup) = 355 calories, 8 g protein
⅓ C oatmeal
½ C half-and-half
½ C water
⅓ Tbsp. margarine or butter
Brown sugar to taste
Directions: Measure half-and-half, water, and margarine or butter into a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add oatmeal and cook until thick. Serve with brown sugar on top.
Fortified Pudding
Nutrients for Wound Healing
1 serving = 260 calories, 4 g protein
¼ C instant pudding mix
½ C half-and-half
Directions: Blend all ingredients together and serve.
Orange Creamsicle Shake
1 serving (¾ Cup) = 330 calories, 4 g protein
⅓ C orange sherbet
½ C half-and-half
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
⅓ Tbsp. oil
Directions: Blend all ingredients together and serve.
