The Challenges of Postoperative Recovery and the Role of Nutrition

Postoperative recovery places significant stress on the human body. Any surgical procedure causes tissue damage — affecting the skin, muscles, connective tissue and, in some cases, internal organs — all of which must be repaired during healing after surgery.

This recovery process requires an increased supply of nutrients, especially protein. Malnutrition is a well-known risk factor for delayed wound healing after surgery. In weakened or undernourished patients, healthcare professionals often recommend increased energy and protein intake, along with specific vitamins, trace elements (such as zinc) and amino acids (such as arginine).

Importantly, several professional recommendations also highlight the role of collagen hydrolysate supplementation to support wound healing. Proper nutrition after surgery is therefore essential: the body can only regenerate efficiently if it has access to the necessary building blocks and supportive molecules required for recovery.

The Role of Collagen in the Body and in Wound Healing

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and a fundamental component of connective tissue. Around 75% of the skin’s dry weight consists of collagen, and it is also found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones and the supportive tissues of internal organs.

During surgery, multiple layers of tissue are affected — from the surgical incision in the skin, through underlying fat and muscle, and sometimes even internal organs, depending on the procedure. Postoperative wound healing essentially involves rebuilding connective tissue. At the injury site, fibroblast cells become activated and produce new collagen fibres, forming scar tissue and closing the wound.

Without collagen, wound healing after surgery would not be possible. Collagen provides the structural framework and biological “glue” of newly formed tissue. When sufficient collagen is available, wounds tend to close more quickly and more securely, resulting in stronger scar tissue.

After surgery, it is therefore crucial to ensure optimal collagen availability. Natural collagen production declines with age, which can slow recovery — particularly in older patients or those in a weakened condition. Hydrolysed collagen peptides, taken orally, are easily absorbed and provide amino acids and peptides that can be incorporated into regenerating tissues. This forms the scientific basis for collagen supplementation after surgery.

Scientific Evidence: The Effects of Collagen Supplementation After Surgery

Numerous clinical studies have examined whether collagen supplementation can improve postoperative recovery and wound healing after surgery.

Faster Wound Healing in Acute Injuries

A 2020 randomised, double-blind clinical trial investigated a collagen-based nutritional supplement in patients with severe burn injuries. After four weeks, patients receiving collagen showed significantly faster wound healing compared to placebo, as well as a shorter length of hospital stay.

Additionally, higher pre-albumin levels were observed in the collagen group, indicating improved protein status. These findings suggest that high-dose hydrolysed collagen supports tissue regeneration and may shorten recovery after surgery.

Healing of Chronic Wounds and Pressure Ulcers

In elderly or debilitated patients, pressure ulcers are a common and difficult-to-heal complication. A 2018 randomised, placebo-controlled study involving 120 patients administered 10 g/day of oral collagen hydrolysate alongside standard wound care.

After 16 weeks, the collagen group showed significantly greater wound improvement, including reduced ulcer size and improved wound severity scores. No adverse effects were reported, demonstrating the safety of collagen supplementation in vulnerable patients.

Rehabilitation After Joint and Ligament Surgery

Collagen also plays a key role in joint, tendon and ligament recovery, which is particularly relevant after orthopaedic surgery such as ACL reconstruction or joint repair.

A 2019 multicentre study found that patients receiving collagen peptides alongside physiotherapy experienced less postoperative pain, improved knee function and faster graft healing as measured by MRI. These patients also required fewer painkillers and fewer physiotherapy sessions, without any reported side effects.

Sports Injuries and Tendon Inflammation

Although not always surgical, research into sports injury recovery further supports collagen’s regenerative role. Studies on plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis showed that combining physical therapy with collagen peptides and vitamin C led to greater pain reduction and functional improvement compared to therapy alone.

These findings are also relevant for postoperative recovery involving muscles, tendons or ligaments.

While further large-scale clinical trials are needed, existing evidence strongly supports the use of collagen to support wound healing and tissue regeneration after surgery, with an excellent safety profile.

NAD⁺: The Key to Cellular Energy and Regeneration

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme present in every cell. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, DNA repair and cell regeneration.

Following surgery or injury, cells are exposed to increased stress and damage, significantly raising the demand for NAD⁺. Research shows that NAD⁺ levels decline with age, and restoring these levels may improve regenerative capacity.

Animal studies demonstrate accelerated regeneration of organs such as the liver, heart and kidneys, improved muscle function and reduced inflammation. Early human studies suggest that oral NAD⁺ supplementation is safe and may reduce inflammatory markers.

As a result, NAD⁺ is increasingly viewed as a promising support for postoperative healing.

How NAD⁺ Can Support Healing After Surgery

Cellular Energy and Repair

NAD⁺ activates key enzyme systems involved in DNA repair and cellular stress response, providing essential energy for damaged cells during postoperative recovery.

Muscle Function and Regeneration

Surgical procedures — especially those involving immobilisation — often result in muscle weakness. Increasing NAD⁺ availability may support muscle cell regeneration and functional recovery.

Inflammation Reduction

Postoperative pain and swelling are closely linked to inflammation. NAD⁺ supplementation has been associated with lower inflammatory cytokine levels, potentially supporting faster healing.

Skin and Wound Healing

NAD⁺ also plays a role in skin integrity and regeneration, supporting collagen synthesis and epithelial renewal — both essential for surgical wound healing.

Together, collagen provides the structural building material, while NAD⁺ supplies the energy required for regeneration, making them a highly complementary combination.

EssenzaVital Liquid Collagen + NAD⁺: High Dose and Synergy for Recovery

Against this scientific background, an important question arises: how can collagen and NAD⁺ be delivered effectively during recovery after surgery?

Record-High Collagen Dosage

EssenzaVital Liquid Collagen provides 13,000 mg of hydrolysed collagen peptides per 25 ml serving, making it one of the highest-dose collagen supplements on the market. This allows intake levels well above those used in clinical studies, with excellent absorption and bioavailability.

NAD⁺ Synergy

EssenzaVital uniquely combines collagen with bioavailable NAD⁺ in a single liquid formula. Collagen supplies the raw materials for tissue repair, while NAD⁺ fuels cellular regeneration — working together in true biological synergy.

Additional Supportive Ingredients

The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants such as French maritime pine bark extract, and vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis and has been shown to support postoperative recovery.

Liquid Formula for Easy Use

The pleasant raspberry-lemon liquid format is easy to consume even when appetite is reduced after surgery. It requires no capsules or powders and is rapidly absorbed, making it practical for both hospital and home use.

Summary: Faster Recovery Based on Science, Safely

Supporting healing after surgery increasingly involves evidence-based nutritional strategies. Collagen supplementation has been shown to support wound healing, tissue regeneration and shorter recovery times, while NAD⁺ contributes to cellular energy, repair and inflammation control.

EssenzaVital Liquid Collagen + NAD⁺ offers a high-dose, synergistic and practical solution to support postoperative recovery. While it does not replace medical care or rehabilitation, it can provide valuable additional support when used alongside standard treatment and with medical approval.

Successful recovery is always multifactorial, involving proper medical care, wound management, rehabilitation and healthy lifestyle choices. Within this framework, collagen + NAD⁺ supplementation can be a meaningful addition, helping patients — and those caring for loved ones — achieve faster healing and better quality of life after surgery.

Try EssenzaVital Liquid Collagen with NAD+ Today.

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