Vitamins For Fast Wound Healing

Healing times can vary for wounds, depending on the severity and type of wound, but nutrients like vitamins may help speed up wound healing. Vitamins and minerals provide the body with the tools it needs to repair and rebuild tissues, and if you are deficient in any nutrients, this may slow down your healing time. Before using vitamins to help with wound healing, consult your healthcare provider about whether it is safe for you to take vitamin supplements and what dosage is appropriate for your situation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, known for its immune-system boosting effects, may also help with wound healing. Your body does not store this water-soluble vitamin, so you need to consume it through your diet or through supplements. Vitamin C is necessary for the growth and repair of all bodily tissues. It helps make collagen, a protein used to help make skin, cartilage, tendons and blood vessels. Food sources of this vitamin include oranges, green peppers, strawberries, potatoes, blueberries and pineapple. Men over the age of 18 should get 90 mg of vitamin C daily, and women over the age of 18 need 75 mg daily. If you are taking vitamin C for wound healing, talk with your doctor about what dosage is safe for you.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also called retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in normal and healthy cell differentiation. This vitamin promotes healthy vision, skin and mucous membranes. It also contributes to wound healing, bone formation and immune-system functioning. According to a 2003 article published in "Alternative Medicine Review," vitamin A may increase collagen strength, which can help with skin formation, and it enhances the early inflammatory phase of wound healing, which stimulates the immune response and encourages healing. Men and women 19 years of age and older should consume 900 and 700 mcg, respectively.

B-Complex

A B-complex vitamin contains all eight B vitamins -- all of which are necessary for healthy growth and development. Vitamin B-3 in particular, also known as niacin, helps maintain healthy skin. These vitamins help the body utilize various enzymes, regulate chemical reactions and aid in the production of red blood cells. Foods containing various B vitamins include whole grains, pork, chicken, fish and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that helps with cell differentiation, immune function and a variety of metabolic processes. The effects of vitamin E on wound healing are mixed, and more research is needed. Topical applications of this vitamin have been shown to improve cosmetic results of wounds in some cases. Individuals may have an allergic reaction of dermatitis to topical vitamin E. Taking vitamin E orally may actually slow down the healing process, because it inhibits inflammation, a necessary part of wound healing. Talk with your healthcare provider about using vitamin E to help with your wounds.