By Nutritionist Jin Yuan
What is Wound Healing?
Wound healing is a complex biological process where the body repairs itself after injury. Whether it's a minor cut, a surgical incision or a more significant injury the healing process involves several stages:
Hemostasis: Right after the injury, blood vessels constrict to stop the bleeding. Blood clots form, acting as a temporary shield.
Inflammation: The body sends white blood cells to the wound area to fight off any bacteria or debris, creating redness and swelling.
Proliferation: In this phase, the body begins forming new tissue including collagen to replace the damaged one. This is when the actual healing process accelerates.
Remodeling: Over time, the new tissue matures and the wound fully closes leaving a scar.
Each of these stages is crucial for proper wound healing. However, poor nutrition, infections, or underlying health issues can slow down or even stop the healing process. One key nutrient that plays a vital role in this process is Vitamin C.
The Role of Vitamin C in Wound Healing
. Here's how Vitamin C aids in wound repair:
Collagen Production: Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen. Without it, the body cannot properly produce or repair collagen that will lead to weak tissue and delayed healing.
Antioxidant Protection: When wounds occur, there is often a lot of oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting the wound area from oxidative damage and promoting faster recovery.
Immune System Support: As the body heals, a strong immune system is vital to ward off infections. Vitamin C enhances the function of white blood cells, which are key in fighting infections at the wound site.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation, which is a natural part of the healing process. While inflammation helps fight infection, too much of it can slow healing or cause complications. By balancing this response, Vitamin C ensures smoother recovery.
Skin Hydration and Elasticity: Vitamin C promotes healthy skin by boosting moisture and elasticity, which are crucial during and after the wound healing process. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to scarring and heals more efficiently.
Key Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C for Wound Healing:
Higher Absorption: The liposome casing allows Vitamin C to bypass the digestive system more efficiently that lead to better absorption and higher blood levels of the vitamin.
Longer Circulation Time: Liposomal Vitamin C is more protected in the bloodstream it can stay in circulation longer to provide more sustain release of Vitamin C to the skin and wound sites.
Reduced Digestive Issues: Some people experience digestive upset or diarrhea with high doses of traditional Vitamin C. Liposomal Vitamin C is gentler on the stomach and reduces this risk.
How Vitamin C Supports Skin Health
Prevents Premature Aging: Vitamin C helps prevent damage from UV rays, pollution and stress which can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Reduces Pigmentation: It brightens the skin by inhibiting melanin production help to reduce dark spots and pigmentation from sun damage or aging.
Hydrates the Skin: Vitamin C boosts skin hydration to keep it plump, firm and youthful.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Vitamin C for Wound Healing
Numerous studies have highlighted the vitamin c deficiency can lead to scurvy, a condition characterized by impaired collagen synthesis, delayed wound healing, and general weakness.
Moreover, another study showed that liposomal vitamin C by oral delivery to be 1.77 times more bioavailable than non-liposomal vitamin C, making it a superior option for those looking to enhance wound healing.
Practical Tips for Using Vitamin C for Wound Healing
Dietary Sources: Foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers should be included in your diet for natural wound healing support.
Liposomal Vitamin C Supplements: If you're looking for enhanced healing or have a large wound, liposomal Vitamin C supplements can be a good option. According to the Rutgers Cancer Institute is recommended consume 500 milligrams per day, but consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements especially if you have a medical condition.
Who are recommended to take Vitamin C supplement?
- Smokers and passive smokers
- Surgical patient
- People who have aging skin (Wrinkles, fine lines & dark spots)
- Those who have scars
- Pregnant women who want to prevent stretch marks
- People with weak immune system
References:
Gopi, S., & Balakrishnan, P. (2020). Evaluation and clinical comparison studies on liposomal and non-liposomal ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and their enhanced bioavailability. Journal of Liposome Research, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/08982104.2020.1820521
Jenna Wishnew. (n.d.). Vitamins, Supplements and Wound healing : Jenna Wishnew, MD, FACS: General Surgeon. Www.drwishnew.com. https://www.drwishnew.com/blog/vitamins-supplements-and-wound-healing
Rutgers Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Nutrition Guidelines for Wound Healing After Surgery. https://cinj.org/sites/cinj/files/documents/Nutrition-Guidelines-for-Wound-Healing-After-Surgery-2016.pdf
Kendall, M. (2024, June 8). Vitamin C Foods: Benefits, Lists, and Recipes. Optimising Nutrition. https://optimisingnutrition.com/vitamin-c-foods/
Kim, Y., & Choi, G. (2023). Medical applications of stabilized ascorbic acid: a review of recent advances. Medical Lasers, 12(3), 133–146. https://doi.org/10.25289/ml.23.032
National Institutes of Health. (2021, March 26). Vitamin C. National Institutes of Health; National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
Sergio Mazzei. (2023, November 2). Role of the Vitamin C in wound healing. Sergio Mazzei. https://drsergiomazzei.health/role-of-the-vitamin-c-in-wound-healing/#:~:text=Despite%20its%20undeniable%20benefits%20in
