Nutrition Care Tips On Healing Wounds

Nutrition Care Tips on Wound Healing

Wound management has shown to be a growing health burden on the community. Wounds have a variety of causes, such as surgical interventions, burns, ulcers, falls, accidents or certain diseases. Adequate nutrition supports the growth and repair of body tissues which is essential in wound healing, whereas poor nutrition before or during the healing process may delay and impair wound healing. In this fact sheet, we explore the key nutrients for optimal wound healing.

The Wound Healing Process
Wound healing is a complex process where injured tissues are replaced by new tissues produced by the body. This process leads to an increased requirement of energy, protein, certain vitamins and minerals. Depending on the severity of the wound, individual’s health status and quality of life may be impacted. Therefore, adequate nutrition plays a key role in optimising wound healing.

Key Nutrients For Wound Healing
Energy

The larger the wound, the more energy is required. During the healing process, adequate energy intake will also prevent the breaking down of the muscles as a fuel for the body.

High energy food sources include:

• Meat
• Full cream milk, cheese, yoghurt
• Grains and cereals
• Oral nutritional supplements (if required)

Protein
Adequate protein is essential for the maintenance and repair of body tissues. Low protein intake may result in skin fragility and decreased immune function with poor healing.

Food sources of protein include:

• Meat, poultry and fish
• Eggs
• Legumes
• Dairy products

Fluid
Fluid is needed to keep the skin healthy for wound healing and promote blood flow to the wound, leading to faster tissue repairment.

Water is the best source of fluid. The goal is to aim for at least 8-10 cups of water per day.

Other good sources of fluid include:

• Milk and milk alternatives
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice
• Soup

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps strengthen the healing wound, protects the immune system and lowers the risk of wound infection.
Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, including:

• Orange, strawberry, kiwi fruit and tomato
• Capsicum and broccoli

Zinc
Zinc also helps promote tissue growth and wound healing.
Food sources of zinc include:

• Fish, shellfish, meat and poultry
• Nuts and seeds
• Dairy products

Iron
Iron is responsible for delivering oxygen to the site of the wound. Low iron levels may result in impaired healing.
Food sources of iron include:

• Red meat and fish
• Fortified breads and cereals
• Dark green leafy vegetables

Summary
Adequate nutrition, including energy, protein, fluid, vitamin C, zinc and iron, are essential in maintaining good skin condition, repairing injured tissues and lowering risk of infection, which in turn promotes optimal wound healing. These nutrients can be easily obtained from a healthy balanced diet which includes all five food groups.

An Important Note
It is important to be aware that the increased nutrition requirements are dependent on the severity and size of the wound, individual’s age, body weight and health status, etc. It is always the best to seek advice from health professionals (i.e. GP or dietitian) before making changes to your diet, for a more individualised and safe approach.

For more information, please visit:
Nutrition in Wound Care Management
Good Nutrition for Wound Healing