The Role of Vitamin D in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies.
Afnan M Nour, Adam Boukind, Lillee Izadi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined human and animal evidence on preoperative and perioperative vitamin D levels and outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Fifteen studies were included: 11 human and 4 animal studies. Lower preoperative vitamin D levels were consistently associated with poorer wound healing, including hypertrophic scarring, keloids, and surgical complications. Animal studies found improved flap survival with supplementation, while evidence for nerve regeneration was mainly preclinical. The review identifies vitamin D as a potential biomarker and therapeutic agent, but concludes that further high-quality research is needed before definitive assessment or supplementation guidance can be established.
Key findings
- The review included 15 studies: 11 human studies and 4 animal studies.
- Lower preoperative vitamin D levels were consistently associated with poorer wound healing, hypertrophic scarring, keloid formation, and surgical complications.
- In animal studies, vitamin D supplementation improved flap survival, with findings linked to enhanced angiogenesis and reduced inflammation.
- Evidence for nerve-regenerative benefits depended predominantly on preclinical studies.
Why it matters
Vitamin D status may be relevant to wound healing and other outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and could potentially serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target. However, the evidence combines human and animal studies and is not sufficient to establish definitive assessment or supplementation guidance. Distinguishing the more consistent wound-healing associations from predominantly preclinical findings is important when interpreting possible clinical implications.
What to keep in mind
The review reports small sample sizes, heterogeneous populations, and inconsistent vitamin D measurement methods. Evidence for nerve regeneration relied predominantly on preclinical studies.