Nutrition in Wound Management

Good nutrition plays a major role in wound healing. The key nutrients involved in the successful recovery of damaged tissue include adequate protein, water, vitamins and minerals. Each is critical to fight infection and promote repair to damaged tissue. Healthy individuals who follow the recommendations set forth in the Food Guide Pyramid established by the United States Department of Agriculture will consume an adequate array of the nutrients necessary for minor wound healing. In situations where wounds are more significant, or health is impaired, nutrient dense beverages are available to supplement oral intake and include Resource, Ensure and Carnation Instant Breakfast.

Protein

Wound healing is dependent upon an adequate supply of amino acids. Amino acids come from the breakdown of protein which includes all forms of meat, eggs, beans, nuts, legumes, and dairy products. A healthy individual requires 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight. In instances where wounds are significant, needs may increase to 1.0 to 1.5g of protein per kilogram of body weight or burns 1.5 to 3.0g of protein per kilogram of body weight. When protein intake is too low, the body is not able to maintain adequate fluid balance between and within the cells. A condition called edema results, characterized by puffy skin. Adequate protein status is also required for proper drug metabolism. Protein is often a transport molecule for various drugs throughout the body. In instances of protein deficiency, drugs may not be as efficiently utilized by the body tissues to fight infection and repair damage.

Calories

It is critical to maintain an adequate calorie intake to heal wounds. In large wounds caloric needs can increase significantly. In the absence of adequate calories, the body breaks down protein to be used for energy. This is not limited to the protein consumed in foods. The body will rob protein from major organs, tissues, and hormones. Wound healing will cease and in many instances deteriorate.

Water

Water is a critical component of all healthy cell functions. The average body is two thirds water. Water provides shape and structure to cells and helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells. In the absence of adequate hydration, wound healing is impaired.

Vitamins

Several vitamins are involved in wound healing. Vitamins A and C are required to build connective tissuues and strengthen capillary walls, and are important in the development of antibodies to fight infection. An increase in B vitamins is required to accompany increased calorie and protein needs for the proper metabolism to occur. Healthy bacteria which produce Vitamin K and are normally present in the gut may diminish due to antibiotic use. People with healing wounds will need to compensate for this limited internal production by increasing their oral consumption of Vitamin K rich foods. Vitamin K is essential for adequate blood clotting.

Minerals

Sodium, potassium and chloride are electrolytes which are required for adequate fluid balance in the body. Iron is involved in the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying component of the blood. Adequate oxygen supply is critical for proper wound healing to occur. Zinc is an important mineral for fighting infection and the creation of protein for wound healing.