From the Guidelines
Protein or amino acid supplementation is the most recommended dietary supplement to aid in wound healing, as it has been shown to reduce wound size in patients with pressure ulcers. When considering supplements to aid in wound healing, several options are available, but the evidence supporting their use varies.
- Protein supplements providing 1.2-2g per kg of body weight daily help provide building blocks for new tissue, and have been recommended by the American College of Physicians to reduce wound size in patients with pressure ulcers 1.
- Other supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A may also be beneficial, but the evidence is less clear.
- A recent study published in 2024 found that pharmacological agents, including vitamins and trace elements, should not be used to improve wound healing outcomes over standard of care, due to low-quality evidence and uncertain benefits 1.
- It is essential to note that while some supplements may have desirable effects on wound healing, the quality of evidence is often low, and the balance of effects may favor neither the intervention nor control.
- In clinical practice, it is crucial to prioritize supplements with the strongest evidence, such as protein or amino acid supplementation, and to consider the individual patient's needs and nutritional status.
- Adequate hydration and a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables should also be encouraged to enhance the effectiveness of these supplements.
- The use of supplements should be tailored to the individual patient's needs, and patients should be monitored for potential adverse effects and interactions with other medications.
- Ultimately, the decision to use supplements to aid in wound healing should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the latest evidence and the patient's unique circumstances.
From the Research
Dietary Supplements for Wound Healing
The following dietary supplements have been identified as aiding in wound healing:
- Vitamin A: required for epithelial and bone formation, cellular differentiation, and immune function 2, 3
- Vitamin C: necessary for collagen formation, proper immune function, and as a tissue antioxidant 4, 2, 5, 6, 3
- Vitamin E: the major lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin, with some studies suggesting its effectiveness in wound healing 2, 3
- Zinc: essential for wound healing, with deficiencies potentially impeding the process 4, 2, 5, 3
- Protein: absolutely essential for proper wound healing, with tissue levels of amino acids such as arginine and glutamine influencing wound repair and immune function 4, 2, 5
- Arginine: may improve wound healing by reducing the risk of fistulas in patients undergoing elective surgery due to gastrointestinal cancer 5
- Glutamine: can improve the healing of surgical, traumatic, and burned wounds 5
- Bromelain: reduces edema, bruising, pain, and healing time following trauma and surgical procedures 2
- Glucosamine: appears to be the rate-limiting substrate for hyaluronic acid production in the wound 2
- Centella asiatica and Aloe vera: botanical medicines that have been used to enhance wound repair, with scientific studies validating their efficacy 2
- Micronutrients such as ascorbic acid, zinc, and pantothenic acid: may improve the healing of surgical wounds in healthy subjects 5
- n-3-fatty acids and ribonucleic acids: may lower the risk of several wound complications when combined with arginine 5
- Antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C and E, zinc, selenium, and copper): can improve the healing of surgical, traumatic, and burned wounds 5