Do High Protein Diets Help With The Healing Of Decubitus Ulcers?

A decubitus ulcer, also commonly referred to as a pressure ulcer or a bedsore, is an area of skin breakdown resulting from constant pressure at that specific location. Decubitus is a Latin word meaning "lying down." Decubitus ulcers can form when you stay in one position for a long period of time and they commonly affect people who are confined to bed or to a wheelchair. Pressure ulcers begin as reddened skin, and can progress to deep craters that damage muscles, bones, joints and tendons. In addition to frequent repositioning to avoid prolonged pressure on your skin, proper skin care and a healthy diet with adequate protein are necessary to heal decubitus ulcers. Always consult your doctor for a comprehensive treatment plan if you have a decubitus ulcer, and discuss any dietary modifications with your medical team before making changes.

Protein Recommendations

New tissue and skin cannot be synthesized without dietary protein, making this macronutrient a critical component for wound healing. A decubitus ulcer can trigger a stress response in your body, resulting in increased protein and caloric needs. The national pressure ulcer advisory panel recommends 0.54 to 0.68 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day for wound healing. There is no evidence to support protein intake greater than 0.68 grams per pound of body weight per day. Excess protein will not further speed the wound-healing process and may lead to dehydration in the elderly.

Protein-Rich Foods

Meats, fish, poultry, milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts, nut butters, eggs and legumes are all good sources of protein. Powdered milk also provides a quantity of protein and can be added to casseroles, soups, scrambled eggs, smoothies, milkshakes, yogurt and baked goods to increase your protein intake. You can also add shredded cheese to eggs, potatoes and casseroles for extra protein. Canned nutrition shakes are also a good source of dietary protein.

Calorie Recommendations

As with protein, increased calories are also required to heal decubitus ulcers. If your body does not get enough calories, it will begin to utilize protein for energy, slowing the healing process. To provide adequate calories for wound healing, the aforementioned ulcer advisory panel recommends an intake of between 13.6 and 16 calories per pound of body weight per day. This caloric range may be adjusted based on other factors including recent weight loss and your overall nutritional status.

Micronutrients

In addition to adequate protein and calories, vitamin C and zinc play an important role in wound healing and new tissue synthesis. Your doctor may prescribe you supplemental vitamin C and zinc, but it is also possible to get these elements from your diet. Citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers and potatoes are all good sources of vitamin C. Beef, whole grain breads and cereals, almonds, peanuts, eggs and milk are good sources of zinc.