Vitamins for Wound Healing: From A to Zinc

Many factors impact wound healing, including medications, age, and existing chronic conditions. Even the wound dressing you select and overall microenvironmental factors, such as oxygenation, can affect the process. However, one significant factor that’s often overlooked but is very important is one’s nutritional status. 

A patient must have the proper nutrients facilitate proper healing, whether it’s an acute  or chronic wound, an abrasion, or a laceration. Since it’s so important to the process, we pulled together a guide to the best vitamins for wound healing, along with other nutrients and their individual effects. 

The Importance of Nutrients and Vitamins for Wound Healing

Many of the nutrients we need for wound healing are the same ones we require to maintain our skin health in general. As research demonstrates , the skin is the first line of defense, helping to protect our body from harmful external pathogens. But poor nutrition can have a dangerous effect on the skin’s biological function and structural integrity. 

Examples of the Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies 

Let’s look at a few examples, shall we? Even if a wound isn’t present, a lack of vitamin A could cause a dry epidermis. One 2023 study found that vitamin D deficiencies are associated with cutaneous issues such as psoriasis, skin cancer, and autoimmune skin diseases. Researchers also mentioned that inadequate amounts of vitamin E, which is occasionally called the “vitamin of youth,” can weaken the skin and compromise skin appendages. 

Older adults, who are at the highest risk of developing chronic wounds, are more likely to   develop malnutrition, which involves either protein-energy deficiencies or specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Numerous age-related factors can exacerbate one’s likelihood of developing nutritional deficiencies. 

Based on these few examples of how nutrients generally affect the skin, it’s easy to understand that nutritional deficiencies could make wound healing challenging.

Wound Healing Requires Nutritional Resources

Wound healing is a high-energy process requiring macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—in addition to micronutrients, like minerals and vitamins, for proper functioning. For instance, a significant amount of protein is lost during the inflammatory stage through wound exudate. In later stages, there’s an increased caloric demand  to complete protein synthesis, which is needed to form granulation tissue. 

In fact, the energy and protein requirements of patients with chronic wounds grow by 50% and 250%, respectively. With that in mind, it’s clear how important nutrition is for skin healing. 

So it’s no coincidence that one study remarked that malnutrition was linked with elevated postoperative complications and infections. Yet, with proper preoperative nutritional support, patients often had decreased hospital stays and fewer difficulties. This highlights the idea that what we consume genuinely matters. It also underscores the importance of discovering the best vitamins for wound healing after surgery.  

Overall, when working with patients, it’s critical to ask about their nutrient intake and assess for any gaps. If there are nutritional inadequacies, they might either impair acute wound healing or be the reason why a chronic wound hasn’t yet healed. 

The Best Vitamins for Wound Healing 

Now that we’ve shed some light on the importance of nutrients for wound healing, let’s shift gears to vitamins that can help fuel this process. Below, we’ll discuss what vitamins are good for wound healing and how they affect the body when attempting to heal a wound. 

Vitamin A

Also called retinol or retinoic acid, this fat-soluble vitamin is necessary for reproduction, growth, the immune system, and proper vision. Vitamin A helps keep the skin healthy to protect the body from infections. Patients may present with dry, scaly skin when there’s a deficiency.  

Occasionally, vitamin A is used for dermatological conditions since it promotes the growth of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. For instance, retinoic acid can boost collagen production and may be used as a supplemental aid to quicken the wound-healing process. 

Interestingly, vitamin A can even help thwart delayed wound healing caused by corticosteroids. This anti-inflammatory medication suppresses the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Both IGF-1 and TGF-β play a role in collagen production, which is a central part of wound healing. 

Vitamin B

Research shows that water-soluble vitamin B compounds, like B1, B2, B6, and B12, play essential roles in the anabolic processes of wound healing, protein synthesis, and leukocyte development. 

In a February 2024 study on wound healing, researchers evaluated the effects of vitamin B therapy on patients getting periodontal surgery. The results showed that the group receiving the vitamin B complex had decreased gingival inflammation and improved periodontal wound healing. The latter was observed by assessing the decreased pocket depth and relative attachment level. 

Researchers shared how the following B vitamins aid with wound healing. 

• B1(Thiamin): Participates in proteins and fat metabolism pathways. 
• B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin): Necessary for preserving the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, mainly by providing the required coenzyme for the energy cycles.
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid): This is a crucial element of coenzyme A (CoA), which is a chemical compound involved in metabolism and energy production in living organisms. B5 also transfers the acyl units for fatty acid synthesis and amino acid activation. 

They even commented that B1 and B5 may accelerate the normal healing process. The researchers involved in this study believe that the vitamin B complex helps to develop a solid collagen structure to aid skin injuries. Therefore, if you’re questioning which vitamins are good for wound healing after surgery, don’t forget the B vitamins. 

Vitamin B deficiency increases the risk of infection complications, indirectly affecting the healing process by hindering white blood cell function and antibody production.  

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is another​​ B vitamin that receives much attention. It’s often used in cosmetic products for irritated, dry, dehydrated, or oily skin, as it promotes the correct functioning of sebaceous glands. When individuals don’t receive enough biotin in their diet, they may notice skin rashes, brittle nails, and hair breakage.

Biotin in metabolizing fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose, which basically means it converts these substances into energy your body can use. Since wound healing requires a significant amount of energy, it absolutely needs biotin. 

Vitamin C

We often turn to vitamin C, a water-soluble molecule, to improve our immune function and fight colds and flu more effectively. However, did you know it can also assist with wounds, as well? 

Vitamin C takes part in every stage of wound healing. In one journal review, they provided an example of how this vitamin affects some of those phases. 

• Inflammatory phase: Vitamin C is needed for neutrophil apoptosis (i.e., removing unnecessary cells) and clearance. 
• Proliferative phase: It’s instrumental in the synthesis, maturation, secretion, and degradation of collagen.
• Maturation/remodeling phase: A lack of Vitamin C during this stage can affect collagen production and scar formation.

Another study found that vitamin C benefits wound healing by boosting recovery rates and the ascorbic acid levels of leukocytes, which are white blood cells. In one other study, researchers stated that this vitamin even accelerates wound healing. Yet, how it’s provided to a patient does make a difference. 

Research explains that vitamin C’s bioavailability if taken orally isn’t sufficient for the skin. It must be applied topically to support surgical healing and better tissue reconstruction. Vitamin C does this by encouraging the creation of collagen in skin tissues and acting as an antioxidant. Its ability to eliminate free radicals is especially beneficial for burn wounds. 

Finally, a 2022 systematic review discussed how vitamin C supplementation enhanced healing outcomes for  pressure injuries, as this nutrient influences tissue repair and regeneration. 

Vitamin D

The fat-soluble, essential steroid hormone vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects and is said to be very important to the wound healing process. In a case report, they explained that vitamin D aids in wound healing by attaching to the vitamin D receptor through calcitriol. From there, it stimulates the production of various receptors and mitogenic growth factors, which regulate cell proliferation. 

On the flip side, it also has an anti-proliferative effect when assessed in different cells and tissues, like what was observed in cultures of keratinocytes treated with vitamin D. They found that there were increased levels of antiproliferative TGF-β levels and proposed that this nutrient obstructs epidermal overgrowth during the proliferative phase. This is important, as vitamin D supplementation may decrease the likelihood of complications, like hypergranulation, which can slow the healing process.   

Lastly, a 2020 study found a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds. However, the researchers couldn’t determine whether the relationship was causal or correlational. Regardless, we think it’s safe to say that vitamin D belongs on any list of the best vitamins for wound healing.

Vitamin E

Deemed as a lipophilic antioxidant, the role vitamin E has in wound healing is complicated. For instance, research states that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To give you some perspective, in one study, vitamin E supplementation was assessed in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and patients with the vitamin E supplementation saw clinical improvement faster than those who didn’t. 

However, another study suggests that it may have a negative impact on the inflammatory process, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant response. They brought up one example of research indicating that vitamin E may have actually worsened the cosmetic appearance of scars. 

Ultimately, further clinical evidence is needed before it can be fully recommended for wound healing, but it’s still crucial that healing patients don’t suffer from vitamin E deficiency. 

Top Minerals for Wound Healing

Vitamins are a great asset when healing wounds, but they’re not the only micronutrient with a positive impact. Some minerals, like the three we’ll share below, have a profound effect, too. 

Copper 

This mineral plays an essential role in blood vessel formation, skin regeneration, and advancing the healing process. Copper introduces hypoxia-induced factor-1-alpha (HIF-1α), a dimeric protein complex that helps the body respond to low oxygen concentrations and increases vascularization. So, if a patient presents with a wound and also has an impaired peripheral blood supply, they likely have compromised copper levels at the wound site, too, which will stunt effective healing. 

Magnesium 

Another essential factor in the wound-healing process is magnesium. One study noted that this micronutrient encourages wound healing by decreasing C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and boosting plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC). 

To give you an example of its impact, researchers evaluated the effects of patients with diabetic foot ulcers taking magnesium supplements for 12 weeks. After the experiment, they discovered that those who consumed the magnesium supplements had smaller ulcers, increased plasma TAC levels, and reduced glucose and serum CRP levels. 

Zinc

Considered an essential micronutrient, zinc plays important roles in growth and development, immune function, and, you guessed it, wound healing. The healing powers of zinc can be found in every stage of wound repair. For example: 

• Hemostasis. Zinc can promote platelet activity and aggregation, which is vital for forming the clot that seals the wound and prevents further blood loss.  
• Inflammatory. This mineral helps to clear the wound of damaged tissue and make room for granulation.
• Proliferation. During this phase, zinc may boost keratinocyte migration and partake in re-epithelialization of the epidermis.  
• Remodeling. ECM-remodeling matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) family proteins are necessary for epidermal wound repair and are zinc-dependent. This micronutrient also aids in scar formation. 

What’s also fascinating is that a 2023 study revealed that the synergistic effect of magnesium and zinc enhances wound healing. 

Minerals and Vitamins for Wound Healing Are Essential

As a wound care professional, you know healing skin injuries is more than just what meets the eye. Simply looking at the wound doesn’t tell the whole story. Instead, you must also assess a patient’s nutrient profile for gaps and consider how deficiencies could influence wound healing. 

With this article, you should now be able to answer questions like “What nutrients help repair the body?” Or “What are the best minerals and vitamins for wound healing after surgery?” Equipped with this additional insight, you can improve patient care and stand out in your industry.