Can I keep taking biotin gummies before surgery? I'm taking zinc, vitamin c, potassium, folic acid , vitamin a, vitamin e

I have patients stop supplements for a few weeks surrounding surgery. There can be frequent interactions related to bleeding so it's easier to just stop for a little while.

Dear Peaceful3738,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thanks for your question. I recommend that you discuss any medications or supplements that you are taking prior to surgery with your surgeon. There are medications and supplements that we sometimes ask patients to stop taking prior to surgery. Your surgeon will have his or her own pre-operative guidelines that you should follow carefully in this regard.

Great question! When it comes to surgery, some supplements can affect bleeding, anesthesia, or healing. Here’s a general guideline:
• Biotin: Usually considered safe to continue before surgery, as it doesn’t typically affect bleeding or anesthesia.
• Zinc, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B3, B12, Multivitamins: Generally safe and often encouraged to support healing.
• Vitamin A and Vitamin E: These can sometimes increase bleeding risk, so doctors often advise stopping them at least 1-2 weeks before surgery.
• Fish oil: Also can increase bleeding risk, so it’s usually recommended to stop 1-2 weeks prior.
• Potassium: Typically safe but depends on your kidney function and other health factors.
You should always check with your surgeon or healthcare provider. They’ll give you personalized advice based on the type of surgery and your health.

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before continuing or making any changes to your supplement regimen before surgery. Biotin, while generally considered safe, may interfere with certain lab tests, and your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your pre-surgery preparations.

It is important that you discuss all medications you take with your surgeon including prescription, over the counter and supplements. Each surgeon will have her/his own protocol for what is acceptable to continue to take and which should be stopped prior to surgery. Some of those that you mentioned including Vitamin E and fish oil can cause thinning of the blood and many recommend these are stopped prior to surgery.

Herbal supplements may contain a variety of substances that can cause problems with blood coagulation and with anesthesia. It is recommended that all herbal supplements be stopped 2 weeks before elective surgery. You should discuss what medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, both prescription and over the counter, with your plastic surgeon and have him or her decide what you should and should not be taking. Your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

I think most plastic surgeons are OK with patients taking vitamins before during and after surgery with a potential exception of vitamin D. Some plastic surgeons Also don’t like patience taking certain supplements because they can contain agents that can cause blood thinning.

I suggest you ask your provider. If you haven’t chosen one and then schedule multiple in person consultations.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

There’s virtually no scientific evidence supporting any health benefits of taking vitamin supplements with the exception of those who are vitamin deficient.