Nutrition and Wound Healing Pressure injury prevalence has been reported at 16-23%
Chronic leg ulcers affect 1-3% of people aged over 60years, with incidence increasing up to 5-10% in the 80+ age group. (3,4).
Wounds can include pressure ulcers, wounds post-surgery or trauma and wounds or ulcers as a result of Diabetes.
The presence of wounds results in:
The risk factors for wounds include:
Research consistently shows that eating problems, weight loss, low body weight, undernutrition and malnutrition are associated with an increased risk for pressure injuries, and adequate nutrition and low body weight are associated with wounds that are slow to heal or non - healing.
Eating a variety of foods from each of the food groups will ensure you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs.
Elderly people have increased requirements for a number of nutrients to ensure wound healing. These include:
Kilojoules – Energy: required for producing collagen and maintaining normal body function. Increased energy sources are vital for wound healing.
Sources: oils/fats, cereals, tofu, legumes, meats, beans, nuts, seeds, dairy products, chocolates, sweets, avocado
Protein: including arginine and glutamine. Normal protein requirement is 0.8 – 1.0g/kg/day. Protein requirements with wounds can be up to 2.0g/kg/day.
Sources: beef/lamb/chicken/fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, nuts, tofu, soy drink, milk, yoghurt, cheese.
Vitamin A – stimulates the inflammatory response, epithelialisation and is a co-factor for collagen synthesis.
Sources: egg yolk, dairy, fish, orange and yellow coloured fruit and veg.
Vitamin C – promotes collagen and new blood vessel synthesis
Sources: fruit, tomato, capsicum, broccoli
Copper – adds strength to the healing wound and scar during granulation.
Sources: organ meats, seafood, wholegrains, legumes, nuts.
Zinc – promotes collagen production, immune function and is involved in the catalytic activity of ~100 enzymes for tissue regeneration.
Sources: red meat, fish, dairy, eggs, wholegrain cereals.
Iron – essential for the development of healthy red blood cells.
Sources: red meat, chicken, fish, iron- fortified cereals and breads
Fluid – dehydrated skin is less elastic and more susceptible to break down. Fluid improves circulation and is important for blood and oxygen supply to the wound. Ensure 1.5 – 2.0 L fluid daily.
All elderly clients and aged care residents should be screened to identify those at nutritional risk. Examples of screening tools include: MST, MNA, MUST.
Those identified as being at risk of malnutrition should cease dietary restrictions, and commence on a High Protein/high energy diet, including fortified foods and HPHE milkshakes.
Screening and treatment with adequate nutrition is essential for the prevention and healing of pressure injuries, wounds.
A referral to a Dietitian should be included as part of treatment.
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