Weeping Wounds: The Role Of Nutrition In Healing

Wound care and healing are affected by a range of factors of which nutrition, a modifiable factor, plays an integral part. Familiarity with the phases of wound healing and the differing nutritional requirements at each stage is fundamental to managing wounds. Several macronutrients and micronutrients impact the wound healing process and contribute to overall patient recovery. Proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats provide significant energy that fuels the repair of damaged tissues. As physicians, understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition and wound healing can significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Nutrition deficiencies impede the normal processes that allow progression through stages of wound healing. Malnutrition has also been related to decreased wound tensile strength and increased infection rates. This article summarises the current literature on the role of nutrition in wound healing, focusing on key nutrients: Proteins, vitamins (a, c, e, k), and minerals (zinc, iron, copper, manganese), essential for collagen synthesis, immune function, and cellular activity. Vitamins a, b, and c and zinc positively influenced healing stages, while vitamin e showed variable results.