Multivitamin Supplementation for Meniscus Root Repair Recovery
A standard comprehensive multivitamin containing all 13 essential vitamins at levels close to the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is the best choice for supporting recovery from meniscus root repair surgery, with specific attention to vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and copper content for optimal tissue healing.
Recommended Multivitamin Composition
For post-surgical recovery from meniscus root repair, your multivitamin should contain the following key components:
Core Vitamin Requirements
Complete vitamin profile: Select a multivitamin containing all 13 established vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B1/thiamin, B2/riboflavin, B3/niacin, B5/pantothenic acid, B6, B7/biotin, B9/folic acid, B12) at levels approximating 100-200% of the RDI 1
Vitamin D: 2000-4000 IU daily to support bone and soft tissue healing 1
Vitamin C: At least the RDI amount (approximately 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women) to support collagen synthesis critical for meniscal tissue repair 1
B-complex vitamins: Including thiamin (at least government dietary recommendations), folic acid (400-800 μg), and B12 (250-350 μg) 1
Essential Minerals for Tissue Healing
Zinc: 15 mg daily to support wound healing and tissue repair 1
Copper: 2 mg daily (important to include 1 mg copper per 8-15 mg zinc to prevent copper deficiency) 1
Iron: 45-60 mg elemental iron from multivitamin and supplements combined 1
Selenium: Should be included in the complete multivitamin formulation 1
Specific Product Recommendations for Australia
Based on comprehensive analysis of Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration-registered products, Centrum Complete (scoring 11/13 vitamins near RDI levels) or Avon Women's Complete (scoring 12/13 vitamins) represent the most complete multivitamin options available in Australia 2. These products are readily available at major outlets and provide moderate cost options 2.
Additional Supplementation Considerations
Calcium Supplementation
Calcium citrate: 600 mg daily in divided doses (no more than 600 mg per dose) to support bone-meniscus interface healing 1
Take calcium supplements 2 hours apart from iron-containing multivitamins, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption 1
Calcium citrate is preferred over calcium carbonate as it can be taken with or without food and may reduce kidney stone risk 1
Vitamin D Optimization
If taking vitamin D separately from your multivitamin, aim for total daily intake of 2000-4000 IU as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 1
Vitamin D should be titrated to maintain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 75 nmol/L or higher 1
Critical Implementation Guidelines
Timing and Absorption Optimization
Take iron supplements with vitamin C or citrus fruits/drinks to enhance absorption 1
Separate calcium and iron by at least 2 hours to prevent absorption interference 1
Take fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with food containing some fat for optimal absorption 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Incomplete vitamin formulations: Many products labeled "multivitamin" do not contain all 13 established vitamins 2. Verify the complete ingredient list before purchasing.
Excessive dosing: Avoid multivitamins with vitamin levels far exceeding 200% of the RDI, as this provides no additional benefit and may cause imbalances 2
Missing minerals: Ensure your chosen multivitamin includes zinc, copper, and selenium, which are critical for tissue repair but often omitted from basic formulations 1
Post-Surgical Context
While meniscus root repair requires careful rehabilitation with progressive loading and specific biomechanical considerations 3, 4, 5, nutritional support through comprehensive multivitamin supplementation provides the micronutrient foundation necessary for optimal tissue healing 1. The meniscus has limited vascularity, making adequate nutritional support particularly important for healing success 6, 4.
Begin supplementation immediately post-surgery and continue throughout the rehabilitation period (typically 4-6 months for meniscus root repairs) to support the healing process 3, 4, 5.