Perioperative Nutrition and the Use of Nutritional Supplements

The poor dietary habits and aging of the US population have caused a steady increase in the incidence of chronic disease. The prevalence of these diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, may have a significant effect on perioperative management, surgical outcome, and complication rates in these patients. Nutritional intervention and supplementation may help curb some of these potential adverse affects of poor nutrition by promoting wound healing; enhancing immunity; reducing swelling, bruising, and inflammation; and reducing oxidation caused by anesthetic agents and surgery. Although a perioperative regimen of dietary supplements may enhance surgical outcomes, it is equally important to know the popular herbal products that are contraindicated in the perioperative period.