Wounds whether caused from an injury, surgery, burns or pressure ulcer require additional nutrition to promote healing and rebuild tissue. Various nutrients are required for the formation of collagen which is a fibrous protein used to connect skin, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Nutritional needs are based on the size and severity of the wound. Large wounds such a pressure ulcers or bed sores can cause nutrient loss through drainage which increase the risk of malnutrition. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential to increase healing time and prevent infection by improving your immune system.
Calorie Needs
Calorie intake should be adequate enough to facilitate wound healing. The formation of collagen requires additional calories to be produced aside from your daily needs. Eating enough calories will prevent your body from breaking down proteins, so that proteins can be used to assist with the wound healing process. Calories needs for wound healing are 30 to 35 calories per kilogram or 14 to 16 calories per pound of body weight per day. The energy requirements to repair a wound increase with age. If you are unable to consume adequate calories, a nutrition supplement can be added into your diet to provide you with your nutritional needs.
Protein
Protein is a building block for all cells and essential for tissue maintenance and repair. Protein deficiency impairs all aspects of wound healing as well as the immune system. Should the body not get adequate amounts of protein, the ability to restore damaged tissue and promote the growth of new tissue will diminish. Current recommendations from the American Dietetic Association are 1.25-1.5g protein per kilogram or 0.6g to 0.7g of protein per pound of body weight. Protein sources include meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt, beans, nuts, seeds and nut butters. Protein powders and liquids are available for additional protein if needed.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an essential role in tissue growth and wound healing through collagen formation. An adequate level of vitamin C in the body is necessary for successful wound healing. Rich sources of vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, greens, white potatoes and sweet potatoes. If a you are eating adequately than supplementation may not be necessary. If supplementation is needed than 1,000 to 2,000 mg is recommended for treatment of wounds.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports collagen production and plays a role in immune function. Sources of vitamin A include eggs, meat, mackerel, herring, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, carrots, broccoli, spinach and dark leafy greens. A deficiency in vitamin A may delay wound healing and increases your risk for infection. Vitamin A recommendations to replete deficiency and promote wound healing is 20,000 to 25,000 IU per day for up to 10 days. A doctor can order a simple blood test to check if you are deficient in vitamin A.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for protein and collagen synthesis, cell replication, and plays a role in immune function. A zinc supplement should only be taken if a zinc deficiency is suspected or if there are losses through a large draining wound. Zinc supplementation should not be used for prolonged periods of time due to its adverse affects on the bodies copper status and the gastrointestinal tract. If a deficiency is suspected, zinc supplementation of 25-50 mg of elemental zinc or 66-110 mg of zinc sulfate per day may be given for no more than 10-14 days. Let your doctor advise you on appropriate supplementation.
References
- Today's Dietitian; Adult Wound Care: Management of Pressure Ulcers; Amy Fleishman, MS, RD, CDN; January 2005
- Nutritional Implicatons of Wound Healing; Jennifer Peel RD, LDN; October 2007
- Medline Plus: Vitamin A
- Medline Plus: Vitamin C
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