Nutrition and Wound Healing: Practical Takeaways for Wound Care Practitioners
At WoundCon Spring 2025, experts Dr. Nancy Munoz and Dr. Mary Litchford emphasized the pivotal role of nutrition in wound healing. They highlighted that optimal healing is not solely reliant on topical treatments but also heavily depends on the patient’s nutritional status.
Macronutrients:
- Carbohydrates: Serve as the primary energy source, supporting cellular activities and the inflammatory response. Emphasis should be on high-fiber, complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Fats: Unsaturated fats, found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds, maintain cellular integrity and reduce inflammation. Saturated and trans fats should be minimized due to their pro-inflammatory effects.
- Proteins: Essential for tissue regeneration and immune defense. Patients may require 1.25 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, increasing to 2.0 grams/kg in severe cases. Both animal-based and well-planned plant-based proteins are beneficial.
Read the full article on the WoundSource website.
Keywords:
Nutrition,
Wound Healing,
Macronutrients,
Micronutrients,
Hydration,
Nancy Munoz,
Mary Litchford