Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2024 - 5

TOP
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN
NUTRITION AND WOUND HEALING
Understanding the connection between nutrition and wound healing helps a CDM, CFPP implement effective interventions,
thereby improving healing rates and overall client outcomes.
COMPILED BY ANFP STAFF
1. Role of protein in wound healing: Protein is crucial for the
development of new blood vessels and collagen production,
which are vital for tissue regeneration in wounded areas.
Increased protein intake supports faster wound closure and
reduces infection risk.
2. Importance of amino acids: Specific amino acids like
arginine, leucine, and glutamine play significant roles
in wound healing. Arginine aids in collagen production,
leucine supports muscle protein synthesis, and glutamine
acts as an antioxidant, enhancing the body's healing
response.
3. Calorie intake for healing: Adequate energy intake is
essential to support the healing process. Recommendations
suggest increasing calories offered to malnourished
patients to meet the increased metabolic demands of
wound healing.
4. Hydration and skin health: Proper hydration maintains
skin elasticity and promotes blood and oxygen flow through
tissues. Fluids, primarily water, ensure the skin remains
healthy and capable of effective wound healing.
5. Micronutrient needs: Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin
C, Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D are essential for immune
function and tissue repair. These micronutrients support
various phases of wound healing, from inflammation to
tissue regeneration.
6. Impact of carbohydrates and fats: A balanced intake of
carbohydrates and fats is necessary for wound healing.
Carbohydrates provide energy, while fats are crucial for
cell membrane formation and nerve insulation. Both
macronutrients support the body's ability to synthesize
proteins and create new blood vessels.
7. Malnutrition and wound healing: Malnutrition adversely
impacts wound healing by impairing immune function,
reducing subcutaneous fat, and decreasing collagen
production. Addressing malnutrition is critical in longterm
care settings to enhance healing rates.
8. Sarcopenia and wound risk: Sarcopenia, the loss of
muscle mass and function, reduces the availability of
dietary protein for wound healing. This condition often
affects older adults, emphasizing the need for adequate
protein intake to replenish the body's protein reserves and
support wound repair.
9. Clinical nutrition guidelines: Adhering to clinical
nutrition guidelines ensures best practices in wound
prevention and treatment. These guidelines provide
comprehensive recommendations for optimizing
nutritional intake to aid in wound healing.
10. Challenges in long-term care: Patients in long-term care
are at greater risk of malnutrition due to factors like poor
appetite, feeding problems, medication side effects, and coexisting
medical conditions. Addressing these challenges
through tailored nutritional interventions can significantly
improve wound healing outcomes.
To learn more, read " Nutrition for Wound Healing: Insights
for Foodservice Managers " by Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD,
Nutrition & Foodservice Edge, September-October 2023.
Find previous top 10 lists at
www.ANFPonline.org/top10
NUTRITION & F OOD SER VICE EDGE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024 5

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Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2024