Wound healing Flashcards
General Role of Nutrition in Wound Healing
Importance: Essential for tissue repair and wound strength.
Impact of Poor Nutrition: Delayed healing, impaired strength, and higher risk of wound breakdown.
Catabolic Phase: Stress-induced nutrient demand increases; inadequate nutrients can lead to protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).
Protein Energy Malnutrition & Impacts on Wound Healing
Definition: Inadequate protein and energy intake or absorption.
Impact: Reduces amino acids for healing and leads to lean body mass (LBM) loss.
Consequences: Delayed healing; wounds compete with muscles for nutrients if LBM loss exceeds 20%.
Wound Healing Protein Nutrient Requirements
Essential for tissue repair and collagen development.
Sources: Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds.
Requirement: 1.25 - 1.5g/kg for severe wounds (stage 3-4).
Wound Healing Energy Requirements
Carbs and fats fuel collagen synthesis.
Requirement: 30 - 35 kcal/kg (higher for larger wounds).
Sources: Bread, cereals, pasta, dairy, oils, butter.
Wound Healing Fat Requirements
Mono- and polyunsaturated fats provide energy and support cell membranes.
Sources: Meat, full-fat dairy, oils, butter.
L-Arginine in wound healing
Supports protein metabolism and collagen synthesis.
Found in specialized supplements (e.g., Arginaid).
Wound Healing Micronutrient Requirements
Vitamin C:
Promotes collagen synthesis and angiogenesis.
Sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy vegetables.
Vitamin A:
Stimulates collagen synthesis and immune response.
Sources: Dairy, eggs, dark green/orange vegetables.
Zinc:
Crucial for protein and collagen synthesis.
Sources: Meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs.
Iron:
Supports oxygen delivery and collagen strength.
Sources: Red meat, leafy greens, nuts, whole grains.
Fluid Requirements for Wound Healing
Prevents skin fragility and promotes blood circulation.
Requirement: Minimum 1.5L/day.
Specific Nutritional Guidelines for Wound Healing
Energy: 30 - 35 kcal/kg; 126 - 147 kJ/kg for severe wounds.
Protein: 1.25 - 1.5 g/kg; assess renal function for high levels.
Fluid: 1ml/kcal/day; increase for high wound exudate.
Micronutrients: General multivitamin plus specific supplementation (vitamins C/E, zinc, selenium, copper).
Glycaemic Control (if DM): Pre-meal glucose 5 - 10 mmol/L; HbA1c < 9%.
Practical Nutrition Strategies for Wound Healing
SFM (Small Frequent Meals): 5-6 nutrient-dense meals/day.
Protein with Every Meal: Helps repair and replace tissue.
Fortified Foods: Milk powder in drinks, high-calorie snacks.
Nourishing Fluids: Shakes, fortified milks, ONS (oral nutritional supplements).
Assist Intake:
- Provide comfortable seating and pleasant mealtime environments.
- Offer assistance with packaging and containers.
- Encourage relaxed eating and sufficient chewing time.
Barriers to Intake in Wound Healing
Address issues like poor appetite, dysphagia, pain, or cultural preferences.
Wound Healing In Overweight Individuals
Do not attempt weight loss during healing. Focus on balanced diet rich in protein, CHO, healthy fats, vitamins & minerals
Wound healing stage specific needs
Severe wounds (stage 3-4): Focus on high energy/protein intake.
Minor wounds: Follow healthy eating guidelines.
Important proteins & micronutrients in wound healing
Arginine promotes blood flow and builds proteins.
Glutamine supports the immune system and promotes new tissue.
Collagen protein helps stimulate internal collagen production
Micronutrients like zinc, vitamins C, E and B12 are also important in the wound healing process.
