From the Guidelines
Vitamin C and zinc supplements can aid in wound healing, particularly for individuals with deficiencies in these nutrients. Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation, which provides structure to skin and connective tissues, while zinc plays a key role in protein synthesis, cell division, and immune function—all critical processes in wound repair 1. For supplementation, adults typically take 500-1000 mg of vitamin C daily and 15-30 mg of zinc daily during wound healing. These supplements are most beneficial for people with poor nutrition, the elderly, or those with conditions that impair nutrient absorption. However, excessive supplementation can cause side effects; vitamin C may cause digestive upset at high doses, while zinc can interfere with copper absorption and cause nausea when taken above recommended amounts.
Some key points to consider:
- Vitamin C has numerous functions, including electron donation, antioxidant properties, and cofactor/cosubstrate for biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, cortisol, peptide hormones, and collagen 1.
- Vitamin C can limit the inflammatory response and ischemia-reperfusion injury, improve host defence, wound healing, and mood, and has a role in pain reduction 1.
- Protein or amino acid supplementation can reduce pressure ulcer wound size, but evidence for the optimal dose or form of protein is insufficient 1.
- Hydrocolloid or foam dressings can reduce wound size, but evidence is insufficient to determine whether specific dressings result in fewer harms than others 1.
For optimal wound healing, these supplements should complement a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, along with proper wound care including keeping the area clean and following medical advice for dressing changes. Healthy individuals with adequate nutrition may not see significant benefits from additional supplementation.
From the Research
Vitamin C and Wound Healing
- Vitamin C is involved in all phases of wound healing, including the inflammatory phase, where it is required for neutrophil apoptosis and clearance, and the proliferative phase, where it contributes to collagen synthesis, maturation, secretion, and degradation 2.
- Deficiencies in vitamin C can affect the maturation phase of wound healing by altering collagen production and scar formation 2.
- Vitamin C supplementation may be useful for wound healing, especially in cases of deficiency, although excessive intake beyond saturation levels is excreted 2, 3.
- A systematic review of 18 studies found that vitamin C supplementation improved healing outcomes in certain pathologies, predominantly pressure ulcers, but noted that many studies had small sample sizes and combined nutritional treatments 3.
Zinc and Wound Healing
- Zinc is an essential nutrient for wound healing, and its role is discussed in the context of nutritional therapy for wound healing 4.
- However, the provided studies do not specifically focus on the role of zinc in wound healing, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Combined Nutritional Support for Wound Healing
- Nutritional deficiencies can impede wound healing, and several nutritional factors, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, protein, arginine, and glutamine, are required for wound repair 5.
- Adequate dietary protein is essential for proper wound healing, and tissue levels of certain amino acids may influence wound repair and immune function 5.
- Botanical medicines, such as Centella asiatica and Aloe vera, have been used to enhance wound repair, and scientific studies are beginning to validate their efficacy and explore mechanisms of action 5.