Carbohydrate Benefits

Carbohydrate and fat are the other macro nutrients that provide calories. They play important roles in wound healing. Carbohydrates break down into glucose, the major fuel for collagen synthesis. Carbohydrate will still make up 50-60% of the diet. This is important since glucose is the body’s main source of energy for healing and for cell repair and for proper brain function. Some fat is also essential in every diet. Typically, the recommend amount of total fat is 30%. Unsaturated fat such as omega -3 fatty or omega – 6 fatty acids is encouraged instead of saturated fat. We do, however, need to monitor blood glucose levels since elevated blood glucose make wound healing more difficult. When glucose levels remain high over time, wounds may …show more content…
It is essential to have proper hydration for the normal functioning of cells. As protein is increased, fluid needs to be increased as well to prevent dehydration. Fluid may also be lost through the wound drainage. Fluid intakes should typically equal fluid output, so we need to make sure we monitor the fluid intakes and outputs of each patient. It is usually suggested to provide 30 milliliters per kilogram per day, but depending on the other medical issues, the recommended amounts can vary greatly. The Association of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, ASPEN, recommends 30 milliliters per kilogram per day for most adults, 25 ml/Kg per day for those over the age of 60, and 1 milliliter per calorie. Another calculation that ASPEN supports is sometimes referred to as the rule of 50. This estimates 1500 ml for the first 15 kilograms of body weight, then it adds 20 milliliters per kilogram thereafter for adults under the age of 50 and 15 milliliters per kilogram for those older than 50 years. If fluid retention is an issue with a patient, we will often use the recommendation of fluid output plus 1000ml. Again, these are estimates and I’s and O’s need to be monitored to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate fluid. Many times, IV fluids will be needed to help meet fluid …show more content…
The three primary we will discuss today are vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. Vitamin A enhances tissue regeneration by aiding in glycoprotein synthesis. It is a cofactor for collagen synthesis and cross linkage. It has been recommended that 10,000-25,000 IU’s a day can benefit wound healing. Vitamin C is necessary for hydroxylation of lysine and proline in collagen formation as well as cross linking. It protects tissue from super-oxide damage and enhances tissue regeneration. It is recommended to provide 500-1000 milligram a day in patients with pressure ulcers. Zinc is a cofactor in over 100 different enzyme systems that promote protein synthesis, cellular replication and collagen formation. Its recommended does is 15-50 milligram of elemental zinc in patients with pressure ulcers. Many times, all three of them are suggested in addition to a multivitamin daily. A multivitamin will provide the majority of the vitamins and minerals a patient requires. Others to consider are vitamin E for cell membrane integrity, vitamin K for coagulation, thiamin and riboflavin for collagen cross linking, and B6 and B12 as coenzymes for protein