Cuts are open wounds through the skin. Minor cuts and scrapes can usually be treated at home without a trip to the emergency room. It is important to keep your cut clean in order to prevent infection. A variety of vitamins may aid in the healing process by strengthening your immune system, repairing damaged skin and decreasing inflammation in your body.
Vitamin C
Heal your cut by increasing your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant, can help repair damaged tissues and strengthen your immune system so that it can fight off viruses, infections and diseases. A compromised immune system can result in a wound infection that delays your recovery. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 90 mg per day for adult women and 75 mg for adult men. Foods rich in vitamin C include grapefruits, oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet red peppers, sweet potatoes, cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, papaya and pineapples.
Vitamin A
Supplementing with vitamin A can help heal your cut. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in wound recovery by strengthening your immune system and decreasing inflammation in your body. It also protects the wound from infection by helping your body form new tissue to cover it. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 2333 international units or IU for adult women and 3000 IU for adult men. Vitamin A can be found in eggs, butter, whole milk, sweet potatoes, red sweet peppers, peaches, pumpkins, carrots, spinach, broccoli, kale and mangos.
Vitamin E
If your cut does not appear to be healing in a timely manner, increase your vitamin E intake. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, can assist in wound healing by boosting immune system function, increasing blood circulation and reducing inflammation in your body. It is important to note that topical applications of vitamin E, such as vitamin E skin oils, are not beneficial in healing wounds like cuts. It is suggested that vitamin E be ingested either through food or taken as an oral supplement to aid in wound recovery. The recommended daily allowance for adult men and women is 15 mg. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, corn, olives, oats, barley, whole wheat, brown rice, canola oil, cottonseed oil and peanut butter.
References
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2008
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; Retinoids and Wound Healing; Mark Abdelmalek and James Spencer; October 2006
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Nutritional Support for Wound Healing; Douglas J. MacKay and Alan L. Miller; November 2003
- PeaceHealth: Cuts
- OSU Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin A
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamins: Introduction
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