Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that assists with a number of different processes within the body. It helps the body build strong bones, aids in muscle health and plays a role in an optimally functioning immune system. You want strong bones, ideal muscle function and a responsive immune system after a shoulder procedure, so should you focus on increasing your Vitamin D intake before and after your operation? We take a closer look at what the science has to say about Vitamin D intake and shoulder surgery outcomes in today’s blog.
Will Vitamin D Help My Shoulder Surgery?
Vitamin D is unique in that we actually get the majority of it from sunlight. Your skin makes Vitamin D naturally when exposed to UV rays, so while we don’t want you to come into surgery with a fresh sunburn, getting outside more can certainly help boost these vitamin levels. Your body can also get Vitamin D from our diet as fortified cereals and orange juice can provide our daily dose of Vitamin D.
Despite these seemingly easy ways to get Vitamin D in our diet, a large portion of Americans are lacking in the Vitamin D department. Approximately one-third of Americans are considered Vitamin D deficient, and that number may be higher for patients in need of shoulder surgery. A 2020 meta-analysis found that more than 50% of patients undergoing joint replacement surgery had insufficient Vitamin D levels, with nearly 40% being classified as deficient.
However, the science on the matter is less than conclusive, with studies coming to different conclusions on the importance of Vitamin D as it pertains to shoulder surgery outcomes. Some trials have found no difference in outcomes when patients were given Vitamin D or a placebo pill prior to their shoulder replacement procedure, while another review found that Vitamin D deficient individuals were more likely to need a revisional shoulder procedure compared to those who had an ample supply of the vitamin in their system.
So should you take a preoperative Vitamin D supplement or work to boost your levels after the operation? Our best advice is to tell you to follow the recommendation of your treating surgeon. There’s a good chance you’ll receive bloodwork or at least have your previous bloodwork reviewed by your care team, and they’ll use this information to chart a pre- and post-operative care plan when it comes to your nutrient intake. Most doctors don’t recommend crazy swings in dietary choices in the lead up to surgery, but striving to get outside more and consume a few more Vitamin-D enriched foods can likely have some modest benefits to your overall health. If your doctor is at all concerned about your levels, they may recommend specific supplementation options that help boost your nutrient intake with a simple daily pill.
So when it really comes down to it, the research into the specific benefit adequate Vitamin D intake may have on your shoulder surgery outcome is a bit inconclusive, but there’s little doubt that boosting those levels is good for your overall health and wellness. Make it a point to get outside more often, even during the colder months, and be more cognizant of dietary options that can increase your Vitamin D levels. Your bones, muscles and your immune system will thank you for it.
Consult with a Shoulder Specialist
For more information and advice on how you can help your body get ready for surgery and make a strong recovery following your shoulder procedure, connect with a local expert. In the greater Knoxville area, we hope you’ll connect with Dr. Holloway and his team. Give him a call today at (865) 410-7887.
