From the Guidelines
Proper nutrition is essential for wound healing, and patients with wounds should consume a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to support tissue repair and regeneration. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2019, which found that nutritional interventions, particularly those with high protein content, can improve wound healing outcomes in patients with pressure ulcers 1. Key nutrients that support wound healing include:
- Protein: 1.2-1.5 g/kg body weight daily, necessary for collagen synthesis and tissue repair
- Vitamin C: essential for collagen formation and wound healing
- Vitamin A: supports epithelialization and wound healing
- Vitamin E: provides antioxidant protection and supports wound healing
- Zinc: necessary for protein synthesis and cell proliferation
- Iron: necessary for oxygen transport to healing tissues
Adequate calorie intake is also crucial, with recommendations of 30-35 calories per kg body weight daily to support wound healing 1. Hydration is equally important, with recommended fluid intake of 30-35 mL/kg body weight daily to maintain proper blood flow to wounded areas. Nutritional deficiencies can significantly delay healing, leading to complications like infections or chronic wounds. While some studies have investigated the use of pharmacological agents, such as vitamin and mineral supplements, to enhance wound healing, the evidence is limited and of low quality, and these interventions are not recommended over standard of care 1.
In patients with malnutrition, nutritional interventions are indicated and may support healing of pressure ulcers, as shown in a randomized controlled trial published in 2019 1. However, the quality of evidence is generally low, and more high-quality studies are needed to fully understand the role of nutrition in wound healing.
In clinical practice, a balanced diet and adequate nutrition should be prioritized to support wound healing, and nutritional supplements should be considered when dietary intake is inadequate or when wounds are severe or chronic.
From the Research
Role of Nutrition in Wound Healing
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the wound healing process, influencing both the speed and quality of recovery 2. The wound healing process encompasses several stages, including haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling, each reliant on specific nutrients.
Key Nutrients for Wound Healing
The following nutrients are essential for wound healing:
Importance of Nutrition in Wound Care
Good nutrition is essential for optimal wound healing, and nutritional deficiencies can alter the inflammatory response, collagen synthesis, and wound tensile strength 4, 5. Nurses and healthcare professionals play a critical role in assessing nutritional status, implementing dietary interventions, and educating patients and caregivers about the importance of nutrition in wound care 2.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the importance of nutrition in wound healing, challenges persist, particularly in the limited evidence beyond pressure injuries and the constrained efficacy of supplementation without deficiencies 2. A multidisciplinary approach is critical to optimise nutritional support and improve patient outcomes in wound healing 2, 5.