Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Glutamine | 20 grams daily |  [3 stars] Studies have shown that using glutamine-enriched formulas after surgery increased immune cell activity, shortened hospital stays, improved nutritional status, and reduced infections. |
Arginine | 12.5 to 18.75 grams daily before and after surgery |  [2 stars] The amino acid arginine has a role in immune function, infection prevention, and tissue repair after injury, including surgery. |
Fish Oil | 3.3 to 5 grams daily omega-3 fatty acids before and after surgery | [2 stars] Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and may improve recovery and prevent infection after surgery. |
Ginger | 1 gram of powder in a capsule 60 minutes before receiving general anesthesia (inform your anesthesiologist) | [2 stars] Ginger has antinausea properties and may prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. |
Iron | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Iron supplementation prior to surgery was found in one trial to reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusions. |
Probiotics | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] One meta-analysis found that the use of a probiotic or synbiotic (probiotic plus prebiotic) product around the time of surgery significantly decreased the incidence of severe infections following elective surgery. |
Ribonucleic Acid | 1.2 to 1.8 grams daily before and after surgery | [2 stars] During times of physical stress, such as surgery, ribonucleic acid (RNA) helps stimulate immune cell division and activity and is needed in greater amounts. |
Taurine | Take at least 1.5 grams daily before and after surgery | [2 stars] Taurine is an amino acid that appears to have an important role in immune cell functions. Supplementing with it may reduce inflammation. |
Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] AKG is used by cells during growth and in healing from injuries and other wounds, and is especially important in the healing of muscle tissue. |
Fructo-oligosaccharides | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) appears to improve iron absorption and restore iron levels, which may be reduced after surgery. |
Selenium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Selenium has an important role in immune function and infection prevention, and supplementing with it may correct a postoperative selenium deficiency. |
Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects. One trial found curcumin (from turmeric) was more effective than anti-inflammatory medication for relieving postsurgical inflammation. |
Vitamin A | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Topical vitamin A may help speed wound healing and reduce scarring in patients taking corticosteroids, which typically slow wound healing. |
Vitamin B1 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B1, given as intramuscular injections before surgery, resulted in less reduction of immune system activity after surgery in one study. |
Vitamin B12 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one trial, a combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 before and after surgery prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. |
Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one trial, a combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 before and after surgery prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. |
Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Some studies have found that vitamin E levels decrease after surgery, supplementation may correct a deficiency. Vitamin E may also prevent scarring when used topically after surgery. |
Zinc | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc is important for proper immune system function and wound healing. Zinc supplements taken before surgery may prevent zinc deficiency and promote healing. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.