From the Guidelines
It is recommended to stop taking zinc supplements, such as Zin Puches, at least 1-2 weeks before surgery. This is based on the consensus statement from the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) 1, which suggests that dietary supplements, including zinc, should be held before surgery due to potential risks such as increased bleeding risk and interactions with medications. When considering the management of supplements before surgery, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, and in the case of zinc supplements, the risks may outweigh the benefits 1. Some key points to consider include:
- Informing your surgeon about all supplements you're taking during your pre-operative consultation
- The potential for zinc to interfere with blood clotting and interact with certain medications used during surgery
- The possibility that zinc supplements may affect how your body responds to anesthesia
- The distinction between zinc supplements and the small amounts of zinc found in multivitamins or regular dietary intake from foods. Ultimately, the decision to stop taking zinc supplements before surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific medical needs 1.
From the Research
Stopping Zinc Supplements Before Surgery
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that stopping zinc supplements before surgery is necessary or beneficial 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Zinc plays a crucial role in wound healing, and deficiency can lead to delayed healing 2, 4.
- Topical zinc therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting wound healing, reducing superinfections, and enhancing local defense systems 2.
- Oral zinc supplementation may be beneficial in treating zinc-deficient patients, but its therapeutic place in surgical patients needs further clarification 2, 3.
- Parenteral supplementation with zinc in surgical patients can correct postoperative serum-zinc drop and improve clinical wound healing 3.
- The risks and benefits of zinc supplementation should be carefully considered, as excessive consumption can cause copper deficiency and other adverse effects 6.