According to "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly," it is well known that nutrition plays a very important role in the wound healing process. For proper wound healing to occur, adequate blood flow, oxygen and nutrients must be supplied to the tissues. Wound healing increases the need for nutrients. If patients do not receive enough nutrients, the risk for delayed healing, infection and even death increase.
Fundamentals of Wounds
A 2004 article in the journal "RN 2004" indicates that wound healing occurs in three stages. The first stage is the inflammatory stage, which starts at the time of injury and can last up to six days. During this stage, blood vessels constrict and clotting factors are activated to prevent any further blood loss. The second stage, called the proliferative phase, begins within seven days and may last for two to three weeks. During the proliferative phase, new tissue forms a protective covering over the wound. The last phase of wound healing is the remodeling phase, during which scar tissue is formed and becomes stronger.
Nutritional Needs
According to "RN 2004," to avoid wound healing complications, patients need adequate calories, protein and fluid. Carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals are all included in the necessary nutrients for successful wound healing.
Significance
Calories are necessary to supply the energy needed for the healing process. Carbohydrates provide calories, and the primary carbohydrate in the body is glucose. When enough calories are present, the body uses the calories for energy instead of destructing protein and lean body mass. Fats also provide a concentrated source of calories, which can be beneficial to the healing process. Protein is essential for tissue maintenance and repair. Insufficient protein will delay the production of connective tissue necessary for the healing process. Fluids keep the body hydrated. If the body becomes dehydrated, blood volume is reduced. Because blood carries oxygen to the tissues, it is important to have adequate circulating blood volume.
Specific Nutrients
As noted in a 2002 article in the journal "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly," two vitamins of particular importance in wound healing are vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A plays an important role in the process of inflammation, wound cleaning or debridement, and it increases the strength of scar tissue. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which gives tissues form and strength.
Benefits
The body's response to an injury depends on the nutritional status of the patient. Patients with good nutritional status will have a shorter healing process and less risk of infection.
References
- "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly"; The Role of Nutrition in Wound Healing; Susan M. Leininger, RN, MSN; 2002
- "RN 2004"; How to Help Wounds Heal; Sue Leininger Hogan; August 2004
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