Wound Healing: A Case Study

We will be looking specifically at the total calories and protein in relation to wound prevention and healing. Carbohydrates and fat are also essential in diet, but the biggest nutrition contributors to wound management are the total calories and protein. Micronutrients such as supplemental vitamins and minerals may be beneficial as well. We will also discuss these. Calories provide our bodies with energy during the hyper-metabolic and catabolic state which the body is in when a wound is present. The addition of more calories helps for synthesis of new cells. Sufficient calories help to spare protein for its critical role of tissue repair and not for energy. The dietitian will help to ensure that the patient consumes enough calories for their resting metabolic rate and for the energy needed for their present medical state so that protein can be spared for its more vital roles. The agency …show more content…
High protein intake is necessary for any wound healing. It is used for cell multiplication, collagen and connective tissue formation, and it increases enzyme activity. All essential amino acids are needed for protein synthesis. The AHRQ recommends 1.25-1.5 grams per kilogram depending on the stage of pressure ulcer. All aspects of wound healing are delayed under conditions of protein deficiency, so we really need to estimate protein requirements as accurately as possible. Knowing that high protein is essential for wound healing, it is important to provide high quality protein to our patients to obtain the best results. Animal sources of protein are high quality. We always want to encourage our patients to eat their meat before they fill up on the side items. Beef, chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are all great sources. Dairy is another good source. Breads and vegetables will have protein, but this is a much smaller amount than the meat or