Recovery Supplements
The ‘Top 8’ Surgeons Recommended Supplements for Pre-op & Post-op Recovery
OVERVIEW:
Adequate nutrition is essential for preparing the body for the physical stress of surgery and mitigating the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function during recovery.¹
To minimize symptoms prior to surgery, reduce the risk of complications, and perform at your highest potential postoperatively, it’s important to provide the body with the right types and doses of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.²
The following nutrients are among the most commonly recommended by orthopedic surgeons to support both pre-operative preparation and post-operative healing.
When choosing any supplements, it is important to select products that have been independently third-party tested for quality, purity, and accuracy, such as those certified by NSF Certified for Sport®. Third-party testing ensures that what is listed on the label is actually in the product, with no harmful contaminants or banned substances.
Why Nutrition Matters Before and After Surgery
Surgery activates a cascade of physiological responses in the body — including inflammation, immune suppression, and rapid muscle breakdown. Without proper nutritional support, these effects can delay healing, increase the risk of complications, and lead to longer recovery times.
Supporting your body nutritionally is similar to preparing for an athletic event. Optimizing your nutritional status both before and after surgery gives your body the tools it needs for faster healing, better strength recovery, and improved overall outcomes.
Key Nutritional Strategies for Recovery
1. Prioritize Protein Intake
Protein is critical for repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
Clinical research suggests that recovering patients should aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This level of intake helps drive muscle protein synthesis and supports surgical healing.
2. Support Muscle Preservation
Specific nutrients such as essential amino acids (EAAs), HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate), and creatine monohydrate have been shown to reduce muscle loss and enhance strength recovery after periods of inactivity, such as the downtime after surgery.
3. Enhance Blood Flow and Tissue Repair
Amino acids like arginine and compounds like alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) may improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to healing tissues, supporting faster and more complete recovery.
4. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Support
Vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin C are important in modulating the inflammatory response, boosting immune defense, and promoting collagen synthesis for tissue repair.
The ‘Top 8’ Supplement Ingredients for Recovery:
- Whey Protein
- Free Form Amino Acids
- Collagen Protein
- HMB
- L-Glutamine
- L-Arginine
- Alpha-Ketoglutarate AAKG
- Creatine Monohydrate
Nutrition is not just supportive, it is foundational to optimal surgical recovery.
By prioritizing protein, targeted amino acids, and key vitamins and minerals, you can actively support your body’s healing process, maintain muscle strength, and accelerate your return to daily activities.
Always discuss your nutritional plan with your healthcare provider prior to surgery, and ensure that any supplements you choose are independently tested for quality and safety.
Recovery is an active process. With the right preparation, you can heal stronger and more effectively.
Doctor Recommended:
Juven® Orange Therapeutic Nutrition Powder
Shop online here: https://www.juven.com/where-to-buy-juven?ps-sku=66689
WHEN TO TAKE THEM: 1 week Pre-op & 2 weeks Post-op. *Optimally before or after a workout, or physical therapy session.
1. WHEY PROTEIN
Try This: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate, 2lb
Or Casein Protein: Dymatize Elite Casein Protein Powder, Slow Absorbing with Muscle Building Amino Acids, Smooth Vanilla, 2lb
Benefits: Whey provides protein and amino acids, which serve as building blocks for increased muscle growth. Whey increases the release of anabolic hormones that can stimulate muscle growth, such as insulin. And is high in the amino acid leucine, which is known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis at the molecular and genetic level.
Recommended dose: 26g per day
Research links: biomedcentral.com ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov(1) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov(2)
2. COLLAGEN PROTEIN
Try This: Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder, Unflavored 1lb
Benefits: Most beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain, along with certain improvements in body composition, strength and muscle recovery.
Recommended dose: 22g per day
Research links: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. CA-HMB (Calcium Hydroxymethylbutyrate)
Try This: Nutricost HMB Powder (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) 250 Grams
Benefits: May reduce muscle wasting and maintain or improve muscle mass.
Recommended dose: 3g per day
Research links: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. L-GLUTAMINE
Try This: Pure Encapsulations L-Glutamine Powder, 8 Ounces
Benefits: May improve wound healing and muscle protein synthesis.
Recommended dose: 6g per day
Research links: www.researchgate.net
5. L-ARGININE
Try This: Nutricost Pure L-Arginine Powder 1KG
Benefits: Helps to improve healing and reduce recovery time.
Recommended dose: 10g per day
Research links: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov(1)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov(2) researchgate.net
6. ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE
Try This: NutraBio 100% Pure AAKG (L-Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate) - 500 Grams
Benefits: Helps the body rebuild muscle and reduce muscle loss after surgery or trauma.
Recommended dose: 3.5g per day
Research links: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7. CREATINE MONOHYDRATE
Benefits: May help speed up recovery time.
Recommended dose: 5.4g per day
Research links: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8. EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)
Try This: KLEAN Athlete EAAs plus HMB orange flavor
Benefits: Essential amino acids or EAAs can decrease post exercise soreness, stimulate muscle growth, and assist in maintaining lean mass during periods of calorie restriction.
Recommended dose: 18g per day
Research links: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov(1)
*Eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way to get the nutrients you need. However, some people may not get enough vitamins and minerals from their daily diet. All of the above recommended supplements are backed by clinical research studies that show the ingredients support healing, reduce swelling, bruising and inflammation, and aid in pain control.