From the Guidelines
Protein or amino acid supplementation is the most effective supplement to promote wound healing, as it has been shown to reduce wound size in patients with pressure ulcers. According to the American College of Physicians guideline 1, protein or amino acid supplementation is recommended to reduce wound size, although the optimal dose or form of protein is still uncertain. The evidence suggests that nutritional supplementation with protein or amino acids can be beneficial in reducing pressure ulcer wound size, especially in patients with nutritional deficiencies.
Some key points to consider when using protein or amino acid supplementation for wound healing include:
- The evidence for protein supplementation is based on studies that used it in conjunction with standard therapies, such as dressings or support surfaces 1.
- The trials generally included patients with nutritional deficiencies, and the evidence may not be generalizable to all patients with pressure ulcers 1.
- There is no evidence to support the use of vitamin C supplementation compared with placebo for wound healing 1.
- The relationship between reduction in wound size or rate of healing and eventual complete healing has not been well-established 1.
In terms of specific recommendations, protein supplementation at a dose of 1.2-2g per kg of body weight daily may be beneficial in promoting wound healing, although more research is needed to determine the optimal dose and form of protein. It is also important to note that protein supplementation should be used in conjunction with proper wound care, including keeping the wound clean and appropriately dressed.
From the Research
Supplements for Wound Healing
The following supplements have been identified as potentially beneficial for wound healing:
- Vitamin C: involved in all phases of wound healing, including the inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, and maturation phase 2
- Arginine: lowers the risk of fistulas in patients undergoing elective surgery due to gastrointestinal cancer, and improves wound healing when combined with omega-3 fatty acids 3, 4
- Glutamine: improves the healing of surgical, traumatic, and burned wounds 3
- Omega-3 fatty acids: have a profound effect on wound healing and infections when combined with arginine 4
- Zinc: improves wound healing in patients with pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous ulcers 3, 5
- Vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, D, and E: improve outcomes in patients with burn wounds, diabetic ulcers, and hypertrophic scars 5
- Calcium, copper, magnesium, and selenium: improve outcomes in patients with burn wounds 5
Wound-Specific Supplements
Different types of wounds may require different supplements:
- Burn wounds: vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, and E, and zinc, calcium, copper, magnesium, selenium, and zinc 5
- Pressure ulcers: vitamin C and zinc 3, 5
- Diabetic ulcers: vitamin A, B9, D, and E 5
- Venous ulcers: zinc 5
- Hypertrophic scars: vitamin E 5
Importance of Nutrition in Wound Care
Nutrition plays a crucial role in wound healing, and suboptimal nutrition can alter immune function, collagen synthesis, and wound tensile strength 6