Healing chronic and complex wounds takes top-notch patient care, advanced technology, coordination, and nutrition. One powerhouse nutrient that plays a critical role in that healing process is Vitamin C.
At Restore First Health, we specialize in mobile advanced wound care, so that our patients can heal in the place they call home. Our team is also passionate about educating patients and caregivers on our process and that includes nutrition.
Why Vitamin C Matters in Wound Healing
You’ve probably heard that Vitamin C helps with colds. But what most people don’t realize is that it also plays a vital role in wound repair.
Vitamin C helps form collagen, which is the essential protein your body uses to rebuild tissue and close wounds. Think of it like the scaffolding that helps your skin come back together again. It also strengthens your body’s immune defense and helps manage reduce inflammation that can slow healing down.
For patients suffering with diabetic wounds or pressure ulcers, Vitamin C is especially important because these wounds often struggle to progress through the natural healing phases without added support.
Read: Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
If your Vitamin C levels are low, healing slows down. Collagen production drops and your body struggles to fight infection. And you stay stuck in a cycle of delayed healing that can feel frustrating and hopeless.
Low levels of Vitamin C may even lead to wound reopening, poor skin regeneration, and increased infection risk.
Read: Spotting and Preventing Wound Recurrence
How to Boost Your Vitamin C
Here are some Vitamin C-rich foods that may support wound healing:
- Oranges, lemons, grapefruit
- Strawberries and blueberries
- Bell peppers (red is best!)
- Broccoli, kale, spinach
- Tomatoes
- Kiwi
- Brussels sprouts
Our mobile advanced wound care works directly with families, caregivers and providers to make sure nutrition isn’t overlooked.
Sources
Carr, A.C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
Aseni, A., Hadinoto, A. N., Sulastri, D., Hatta, M., & Jusuf, M. I. (2024). Role of vitamin C in pressure ulcer healing: A scoping review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 91, 103037. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38345088/
Pullar, J.M., Carr, A.C., & Vissers, M.C.M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24796079/