Nutrition, Wound Healing & Recovery

Nutrition plays an essential role in wound healing and care, and nutritional support needs to be considered a fundamental part of wound management. Poor nutrition before or during the healing process can delay healing and impair wound strength, making the wound more prone to breakdown.

For an adequate immune response, collagen synthesis and to transport oxygen to the wound, certain micronutrients are particularly important for wound healing (Munoz et al, 2020; Tuz and Mitchell, 2021).

These micronutrients include:

Vitamin C: fundamental for collagen formation and subsequent cross-linking, as well as the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Adequate Vitamin C levels will help strengthen the healing wound. Vitamin C deficiency has been found to impair wound healing and has also been associated with an increased risk of wound infection. Also helps Iron absorption.

Vitamin C is found mostly in fruit and vegetables, especially oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables.

Zinc and copper: Found in small amounts in the body, it plays a role in wound healing. Zinc is involved in protein and collagen synthesis, and in tissue growth and healing. Zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed wound healing, reduced skin cell production and reduced wound strength.

Dietary zinc sources include red meat, fish and shellfish, milk products, poultry and eggs. Copper is found in highest amounts in protein foods like organ meats, shellfish, fish, nuts, and seeds as well as whole grains and chocolate.

Vitamin E: essential for optimal immune function and assists with healthy tissue formation

Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Vitamin A: Increases the inflammatory response in wounds, stimulating collagen synthesis. Low vitamin A levels can result in delayed wound healing and susceptibility to infection. Serious stress or injury can cause an increase in vitamin A requirements. While the mechanisms of vitamin A in wound healing are still not well understood, it is clear that it plays an important role.

Vitamin A is found in milk, cheese, eggs, fish, dark green vegetables, oranges, red fruits and vegetables

Iron: is a mineral that provides oxygen to the site of the wound; therefore iron (haemoglobin) deficiency can impair healing. Iron deficiency can also result in impaired collagen production and strength of the wound.

The best sources of iron in the diet are red meat, offal, fish, eggs, wholemeal bread, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and yeast extracts.

Protein: is essential for the maintenance and repair of body tissue. Low protein levels will cause a decrease in collagen development, slowing the wound healing process. Adequate protein levels will help achieve optimal wound healing rates. Overall energy intake is also important, because if energy needs aren’t met the body will use protein for energy rather than for wound healing.

Sources of protein include red and white meats, fish, eggs, liver, dairy products (milk, cheese, and yoghurt), soy beans, legumes, nuts and seeds