Best Supplements for PRP Recovery: What to Take and When

Recovering from a PRP injection isn’t just about rest. The right nutrients at the right time can support tissue repair, collagen formation, and platelet activity, helping you get the most from your treatment. This guide explains which supplements help, which ones to avoid, and how to time everything safely for your recovery. If you’re in Bellevue or the surrounding areas, these recommendations align with the aftercare approach used at Interventional Orthopedics of Washington.

Why Supplements Matter After PRP

PRP works by using your own concentrated platelets to initiate and support tissue healing. These platelets release growth factors that promote collagen repair, reduce micro-damage, and stimulate cellular regeneration. Your body needs adequate nutrition to support that process.

Three phases of post-PRP tissue healing:

1. First 1-2 weeks (Inflammatory phase)

Platelets activate and release growth factors. The goal here is to protect this early activity, not disrupt it.

2. 2 weeks to 2 months (Proliferation phase)

Cells begin laying down new collagen and matrix proteins. This is when certain supplements can support tissue rebuilding.

3. 2 months to 6 months (Remodeling phase)

Collagen fibers strengthen and realign. Nutrition and targeted supplementation can help maintain the healing momentum.

Supplements to Avoid Before PRP

Some supplements reduce platelet activity or thin the blood. These are usually stopped 7 days before PRP unless your provider instructs otherwise.

Avoid before PRP:

• Fish oil / omega-3

• Vitamin E

• Garlic supplements

• Ginseng

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)

• Alcohol (limit 48 hours prior)

Why Avoid tThese?

They can reduce platelet function, slow clot formation, or lessen the early inflammatory triggers that PRP relies on to work.

If you’re preparing for PRP, see our article on the PRP rehab timeline for additional pre-procedure guidance.

The First 48 Hours After PRP

This is the “don’t interfere” window.

Focus on:

• Hydration

• High-protein meals

• Gentle movement

• Sleep

• Warm compress (if recommended for your injury type)

Simple diet checklist:

• Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu)

• Hydrating foods (fruit, broth, veggies)

• Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, and heavy sugar intake

Safe Supplements to Reintroduce

Vitamin C + Collagen

Synergistic combination for tendon and cartilage repair. Supports collagen cross-linking and tissue integrity.

Dose:

1. Vitamin C ~500–1000 mg/day

2. Collagen peptides ~10–20 g/day

Zinc

Helps immune signaling and early tissue healing. Short-term only unless deficiency is known.

Dose:

1. 15–30 mg/day for about 2 weeks

Magnesium

Useful for sleep, muscle tension, and overall recovery, especially after tendon or joint PRP.

Dose:

1. 200–400 mg/day (glycinate or citrate)

Vitamin D

Important only if you’re deficient. Not required for all patients.

Dose:

1. Follow lab-guided recommendations

Spacing guideline:

Take supplements with food and spread them throughout the day to avoid digestive irritation.

Supportive Add-Ons

Omega-3 / Fish Oil

Supports joint lubrication, cardiovascular health, and long-term tissue remodeling. Avoid using it too early.

Probiotics

Can help regulate immune function and gut health, especially during intensive rehab phases.

Protein + Amino Acids

Collagen + adequate protein intake enhances tendon and ligament resilience during strengthening.

If you’re following a rehab protocol, pair this section with your PRP rehab progression plan for better results.

Example 7-Day Supplement Timeline

PRP Recovery Diet and Lifestyle Tips

A healing-focused lifestyle improves the quality and durability of your PRP results.

Aim for:

• Anti-inflammatory meals (greens, berries, avocado, salmon)

• 80–100 oz water per day (general guideline)

• Consistent sleep schedule

• Stress management

• Low-impact movement (walking, cycling, gentle PT)

Avoid:

• Smoking

• Alcohol in the first week

• NSAIDs for at least 1–2 weeks after the procedure

• Aggressive activity too soon

Link this with your PRP rehab progression for coordinated care.

Tailoring Your Supplement Plan

Every PRP treatment is different. Your supplement strategy may vary based on:

• Joint PRP (knee, hip, shoulder)

• Tendon PRP (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)

• Hair restoration PRP

• Skin/facial PRP

• Medical conditions or medications

• Age, nutrition status, hormone balance

For example:

• Knee PRP: focus on collagen, Vitamin C, and protein

• Tendon PRP: emphasize collagen and magnesium

• Hair PRP: emphasize Vitamin D, zinc, and anti-inflammatory nutrients

Where to Find Trusted PRP Recovery Supplements in Bellevue

When choosing supplements, quality matters. Common evidence-based, physician-trusted brands include:

• Thorne

• Pure Encapsulations

• Integrative Therapeutics

If you’re in Bellevue, WA, our team at Interventional Orthopedics of Washington helps patients select the safest and most appropriate PRP recovery supplements based on labs and treatment type.

FAQs

Q1: How soon can I take supplements after a PRP injection?

Usually after 48–72 hours, once the early inflammation phase has passed.

Q2: Which vitamins help PRP recovery the most?

Vitamin C, collagen, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin D (if deficient).

Q3: Should I avoid fish oil or turmeric after PRP?

No, these supplements are ok to take directly after PRP.

Q4: Is it safe to take a multivitamin after PRP?

Most standard multivitamins are safe after a PRP injection.

Q5: Can supplements improve PRP results?

They can support tissue repair, but timing and dose matter. Always confirm with your provider.

Final Takeaway

PRP results depend not just on the injection but on how you support your body afterward. The right nutrients when reintroduced at the right time can help promote stronger collagen, better tissue repair, and a smoother recovery.

If you want a personalized recovery plan, including supplement dosing and rehab timing, schedule a consultation with our team in Bellevue.