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Review
. 2021 May 15;13(5):1675.
doi: 10.3390/nu13051675.

Pre- and Post-Surgical Nutrition for Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Functionality Following Orthopedic Surgery

Katie R Hirsch  1 , Robert R Wolfe  1 , Arny A Ferrando  1
Affiliations
Review

Pre- and Post-Surgical Nutrition for Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Functionality Following Orthopedic Surgery

Katie R Hirsch et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Nutritional status is a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes and is recognized as an important component of surgical recovery programs. Adequate nutritional consumption is essential for addressing the surgical stress response and mitigating the loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. Especially in older patients, inadequate protein can lead to significant muscle atrophy, leading to a loss of independence and increased mortality risk. Current nutritional recommendations for surgery primarily focus on screening and prevention of malnutrition, pre-surgical fasting protocols, and combating post-surgical insulin resistance, while recommendations regarding macronutrient composition and timing around surgery are less established. The goal of this review is to highlight oral nutrition strategies that can be implemented leading up to and following major surgery to minimize atrophy and the resultant loss of functionality. The role of carbohydrate and especially protein/essential amino acids in combating the surgical stress cascade and supporting recovery are discussed. Practical considerations for nutrient timing to maximize oral nutritional intake, especially during the immediate pre- and post- surgical periods, are also be discussed.

Keywords: aging; anabolic resistance; atrophy; dietary supplements; essential amino acids; nutrient timing; protein quality.

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Conflict of interest statement

K.R.H. has no conflict of interest to declare. R.R.W. is an inventor of United States patent 16; 382,984 entitled “Composition for Stimulating Muscle Growth, Repair, and Maintenance,” US Patent (16; 382,984). A.A.F. and R.R.W. are listed as inventors on United States patent 9364463 B2 entitled “Use of amino acid supplementation for improved muscle recovery,” and United States patent application 20200253908 entitled “Use of amino acid supplementation for improved muscle protein synthesis.” R.R.W. is a shareholder in Essential Blends, LLC, and The Amino Company, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Example of pre-operative nutrient timing leading up to surgery. Modified from Smith-Ryan et al. (2020).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Protein sources with consideration of food source, protein quality, absorption, and EAA availability.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Example of post-operative nutrient timing. Partially adapted from Smith-Ryan et al. (2020).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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