Supplements After ACL Surgery: Which Help The Most?

Although ACL surgery is an outpatient procedure, many individuals can find it very difficult to resume their normal daily activities. Understanding what essential minerals and nutrients your body needs, especially after ACL surgery, will ensure a successful recovery. Many medical professionals agree that having a balanced diet with added supplements after ACL surgery is the way to go.* 

Currently, in the United States, there are about 200,000 cases of ACL injuries reported each year.  In most cases, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) gets torn or sprained, which will require surgery.  

This surgery entails removing the torn ACL ligament, which is then replaced with another piece of the tendon. This additional piece can be taken from a different part of the knee or a deceased tissue donor. ACL surgery is required to promote rotational stability and control the knee’s natural movements.  

The majority of the ligaments found in the body are made up of collagen. Therefore, supplements used after ACL surgery should contain ingredients that help rebuild collagen.*

Below, are several supplements after ACL surgery that we recommend.*

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex contributes to many body functions, including collagen and red blood cell formation. Red blood cells are essential for healing since they carry oxygen and nutrients to the wound site.  

This vitamin also helps produce cellular energy, allowing cells to grow and even help with healing wounds. This energy is produced when carbs are metabolized in the body.  

Many foods contain high levels of Vitamin B. The most common are seafood, meat, starchy vegetables, bananas, and eggs. 

Fish Oil

Those who do not consume fish regularly are likely not to receive all the benefits fish oil offers. Fish oil contains many great health benefits since it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation within the body, which is extremely helpful after ACL surgery.  

Besides, fish oil can be used to improve osteoarthritis located in joints. This is possible since it can help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness and chronic knee pain.*

Vitamin C

Preclinical studies discovered that Vitamin C helps accelerate healing times in bones and soft tissue. It can also help to enhance collagen synthesis. This supplement produced no adverse effects in either animal or human participants.  

Also, consuming vitamin C regularly can boost your immune system and protect you from potential infections after surgery.* 

Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables which contain the highest amounts of Vitamin C. 

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural compound known as an amino sugar that is found in the body. This compound is usually located within the fluid surrounding your joints called synovial fluid. This fluid is essential since it helps form and restores tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.  

Glucosamine supplements contain anti-inflammatory properties that help to repair soft tissues.*

A recent animal study showed that taking glucosamine daily after a fracture helps restore bones and body tissues. Many individuals who take this supplement notice relief from their pain and recover faster from their injuries. 

Bone broth, seafood, and eggshell membranes contain high levels of glucosamine. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps assists with restoring bone density since our bones naturally deteriorate as we age. Taking these supplements will help keep your bones and muscles stay healthy and strong.*

According to this study, individuals with lower vitamin D levels had slower strength recovery after ACL surgery. As a result, they concluded that it could be detrimental to muscle strength recovery for individuals with low vitamin D levels. 

The same way plants produce sugars from water and CO2 using sunlight, humans can create their own vitamin D. This occurs when our skin is exposed to the sun, and the UV light interacts with a naturally produced chemical called 7-dehydrocholesterol. 

Vitamin D can also be found in milk, mushrooms, and seafood. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can drastically increase collagen production and restore the body’s natural immune system, which can help accelerate wound repair.* 

We can find Vitamin A in dark leafy greens, starchy vegetables, bell peppers, and tropical fruits.  

Supplements After ACL Surgery: Takeaway

In addition to supplements, the foods you put in your body matters. Eating lots of veggies, fruits, proteins, and complex carbs will help fuel your body as you recover.  

We also recommend using a comprehensive supplement such as WoundVite, which promotes and may accelerate healing recovery.* Which ultimately may reduce scar tissue formation and scarring.* We hope that you will notice significant improvements in your health by consuming these supplements after ACL surgery.*

In conclusion, the best supplements after ACL surgery are those containing nutrients that will help repair ligaments.* Many of these supplements can also be taken before getting surgery.* This way, once you return home, you will already have a jumpstart in your recovery. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.