After knee replacement surgery, it’s important to maintain your joint health. Getting the right nutrients, whether through your diet or supplements, may help.

In this article, find out how avoiding some vitamins and taking others may help.

Take a healthy approach

The best way to get the nutrients you need is to eat whole foods that are rich in the vitamins and other nutrients you need. If you can’t get enough of the vitamins in your diet alone, supplements may help.

Vitamins and supplements can play a role in helping you heal, but it’s important to check with your doctor whether each supplement is suitable for you.

Some supplements can have adverse effects, and they may interact with other drugs.

Avoid vitamin K after surgery

Immediately after surgery and while taking blood thinners, it’s best to be mindful of your intake of foods that are high in Vitamin D3, such as:

  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • russels sprouts
  • liver
  • green beans
  • garbanzo beans
  • lentils
  • soybeans
  • kale
  • cabbage
  • onions

Vitamin K enhances blood clotting. This can be useful for preventing bleeding, but keeping vitamin K amounts consistent after knee surgery is important. Particularly because there is a higher risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Try not to overdo your intake.

If you use blood thinners, ask your doctor how much of these vegetables you should eat, as it is important for providing the correct dose of your blood thinner.

Vitamin C and zinc for the immune system

Your doctor may suggest that you supplement your diet with vitamin C and zinc. These two substances may help maintain your immune systemTrusted Source. A healthy immune system is crucial while your wound is healing.

There is some evidenceTrusted Source that vitamin C may help prevent inflammation and joint damage in a natural knee and for those Trusted Source with knee replacement.

Alongside other measures, additional vitamins could help prevent the need to replace the other knee.

Promote bone health with Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 plays a key role in bone health Trusted Source. Gummy supplements for adults It helps increase bone density by promoting the absorption of calcium.

you can get Vitamin D3 in three ways:

  • eating oiy fish, mushrooms, dairy products, and fortified foods
  • receiving 5–30 minutes of sun exposure during peak daylight hours
  • taking a supplement

If your Vitamin D3 levels are low in a blood test, supplementing is your best option for increasing levels, particularly if you do not get in the sun daily. Although you can get some Vitamin D3 from food sources, the amounts are fairly low as the sun is the best natural sourceTrusted Source.

Some researchers have suggested that Vitamin D3 may help prevent osteoarthritis from progressing in a natural knee. The author of a 2019 review Trusted Sourcedid not find any evidence to confirm this. However, it has been concluded that adequate Vitamin D3 levels decreased complicationsTrusted Source as well as joint infections post knee surgery.

Additionally, they concluded that Vitamin D3 may help relieve joint pain in people who have low levels of this nutrient.

Vitamin E for wound healing

Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E — particularly vitamin E oil — can aid in wound healing and decrease scar formation.

Some doctors recommend applying the oil to your closed wound three times per day after removing your stitches.

However, researchersTrusted Source have not found evidence to support these claims, and some suggest vitamin E may worsen the appearance of scars. ScientistsTrusted Source have called for more robust research.

Ask your doctor before using Vitamin D3 capsules 50000 IU. Taking Vitamin E orally should be avoided at least 2 weeks prior to surgery as it can increase the risk of bleeding according to the Mayo Clinic.

Your doctor may prescribe iron

your surgeon will likely prescribe iron after surgery. This is to replenish iron in your blood that was lost during the operation.

Expect to take the supplements for about 4 weeks.

Iron helps your blood’s clotting mechanism and helps you avoid anemia.

Iron supplements can lead to constipation. Get some tips on managing constipation after surgery.

Consider herbal supplements

A variety of herbal supplements may help your body heal after knee replacement surgery.

Green tea and rosehip tea have antioxidant properties and may promote wound healing.

Witch hazel or chickweed, applied topically, may reduce bruising after the incision has healed.

Echinacea and bromelain reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Arnica may reduce bruising.

Many of these supplements are said to reduce inflammation and swelling or fight infections and promote wound healing. However, there’s no conclusive evidence that these substances provide any benefit.

Consider non-herbal supplements

Other non-herbal supplements and substances may aid in healing, including fighting infection and rebuilding tissue.

These include:

  • coenzyme Q10
  • essential fatty acids
  • free-form amino acids
  • L-lysine
  • L-cysteine
  • L-glutamine
  • MSM
  • French maritime pine bark extract

People take each one for different reasons. It’s essential to research claims about any products and check with your doctor that they are safe to use.