Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a foundational role in postoperative recovery, contributing to immune defense, tissue repair, and inflammation regulation. Through its support of skin and mucosal barrier integrity, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant activity, vitamin A helps lower infection risk, promotes wound healing, and reduces inflammation following surgical procedures. Its ability to support epithelial regeneration makes it especially relevant in surgeries involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or reconstructive healing.

Mechanisms of Action and Benefits

Immune Function and Infection Prevention
Vitamin A strengthens innate and adaptive immune responses by maintaining the integrity of mucosal barriers and enhancing the activity of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells. These actions help reduce the risk of surgical site infections, which are among the most common complications post-surgery [1,2].

Tissue Repair and Wound Healing
Vitamin A supports epithelial proliferation, fibroblast activation, and angiogenesis, while promoting collagen synthesis and granulation tissue formation. These regenerative effects accelerate wound closure and tissue remodeling, improving overall healing outcomes following surgical procedures [2,3].

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Vitamin A modulates inflammatory cytokines and helps neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during surgical trauma. This contributes to reduced oxidative stress, minimized postoperative inflammation, and more stable recovery pathways [4].

Support for Skin and Epithelial Integrity

As a regulator of epithelial differentiation and keratinocyte function, vitamin A is critical for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucosal surfaces, which are often compromised during surgery. Its support of re-epithelialization is especially important in reconstructive and abdominal surgeries where barrier restoration is essential [3,5].

Clinical Implications

Optimizing vitamin A levels in surgical patients can help reduce the risk of infection, improve wound healing trajectories, and lower the incidence of adhesion formation or delayed tissue repair. Given its essential roles in immune modulation, collagen dynamics, and epithelial renewal, vitamin A is a valuable component of perioperative nutritional protocols.

References:

1. Murat Gürbüz, Şule Aktaç, Understanding the role of vitamin A and its precursors in the immune system, Nutrition Clinique et Métabolisme, Volume 36, Issue 2, 2022, Pages 89-98
2. Zinder, R., Cooley, R., Vlad, L.G. and Molnar, J.A. (2019), Vitamin A and Wound Healing. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 34: 839-849.
3. Polcz ME, Barbul A. The Role of Vitamin A in Wound Healing. Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(5):695-700
4. Geng J, Qian J, Si W, Cheng H, Ji F, Shen Z. The clinical benefits of perioperative antioxidant vitamin therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2017;25(6):966-974.