Why You Are Told to Stop Supplements Before Surgery
If you have ever had surgery or a medical procedure, it is likely that your doctor or nurse instructed you to stop taking all supplements in the days or weeks beforehand. For many patients who regularly use supplements, especially those focused on health and healing, this guidance can be confusing or even concerning. If certain nutrients are meant to support recovery, why are you being told to stop them? The answer involves both safety and standard protocol, but it is not as simple as stating that all supplements are harmful before surgery.
Many surgeons and anesthesiologists recommend discontinuing supplements prior to surgery out of an abundance of caution. Certain supplements, particularly herbal products and high dose vitamins, can influence bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, or interact with anesthesia. For example, vitamin E, garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Others, such as St. John’s Wort, may interfere with how the body metabolizes medications. Because most surgical teams do not have the time to assess each supplement individually, the safest and simplest recommendation is often to stop all supplements across the board.
However, this cautious approach can lead to unintended consequences, particularly if a patient discontinues nutrients that are essential for healing, such as vitamin C, zinc, or vitamin D. These nutrients play critical roles in wound healing, immune support, and collagen synthesis. When they are deficient, patients may experience slower recovery, increased risk of infection, and more postoperative fatigue. This is why there is growing interest in evidence based, surgery specific supplements that are safe, effective, and well tolerated during the perioperative period.
The key distinction lies in the difference between targeted supplementation and unregulated or potentially risky products. At Clara Recovery, our perioperative supplement protocol is developed with surgical safety as a priority. Each ingredient is included at clinically supported doses, selected for its role in healing rather than general wellness, and manufactured under stringent quality standards. Clara Recovery is designed for use before and after surgery, under provider guidance, to support the body throughout the healing process.
If you are planning surgery and currently take supplements, do not stop everything without discussion. Instead, speak with your doctor, surgeon, or care team about what you are taking and ask whether any specific ingredients might pose risks. If you wish to support your recovery through nutrition, look for products that are formulated with surgical safety, backed by clinical evidence, and proven in real world medical use.
