Nutreat and the promotion of wound healing
There are many types of wounds; a cut, scratch or scrape that breaks the skin. Healthy people tend to heal quickly when wounds are kept clean and free of infection. Other types of wounds can be severe and often require medical intervention. Serious wounds include ulcers known as pressure or bed sores, which develop when bones are close to the skin; including heels, hips, ankles, back, buttocks and elbows. These wounds are a risk for elderly people or people who are bedridden, unable to change positions or use a wheelchair. Diabetics also have an increased risk of developing foot ulcers that occur as a result of skin tissue breaking down and can take weeks or months to heal.
Nutrition’s essential role in wound healing
It’s important to eat well in order to heal well. Healthy food choices can aid recovery by providing the necessary energy, protein, vitamin and minerals necessary to promote healing. Poor nutrition before or during the healing process can delay healing and impair wound strength, making the wound more prone to breakdown.
Wound healing is a complex process where injured tissue is replaced with new tissues produced by the body which requires an increased consumption of certain nutrients.
Nutreat Pro 40 nutritional supplement powder can help to provide extra nutrients such as calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to support adequate wound healing.
The following play an important role in the wound healing process:
Energy
The main sources of ‘fuel’ or energy for the human body are carbohydrates and fats. If energy requirements aren’t met the body will use protein for energy rather than for wound healing. The size and complexity of the wound determines the amount of extra energy needed for sufficient wound healing.
Protein
Protein is essential to build, maintain and repair body tissues. Adequate protein levels will help achieve ideal wound healing rates. Suboptimal protein levels will cause a decrease in collagen production, slowing the wound healing process. Protein is found in red and white meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, tofu, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Fats
Mono-unsaturated and Poly-unsaturated fats are a concentrated source of energy providing essential energy for wound healing. Fatty acids are a major component of cell membranes and your body may require increased amounts to heal properly after injury and during recovery and also to prevent the body using protein for energy. Additionally, fats play a vital role in helping your body absorb vitamins, particularly fat-soluble ones; A, D, E and K. Sources of fats include full-cream dairy products including milk, cheese, butter, cream, yoghurt and ice-cream, avocado, nuts and cooking oils and spreads.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is classified as a nonessential amino acid that becomes conditionally essential due to stress and the body’s increasing demands for protein during wound healing.
Evidence shows that dietary supplementation with arginine can increase protein metabolism, reduce muscle loss, and collagen synthesis, thereby increasing the integrity of the wound.
As an arginine-containing nutritional supplement, Nutreat Pro40 can be beneficial.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A increases the inflammatory response in wounds, stimulating collagen production. Low vitamin A levels can result in increased risk of infection and delayed wound healing. The evidence for supplementation of vitamin A remains limited due to risk of toxicity.
Vitamin A is commonly found in milk, cheese, eggs, fish, dark green vegetables, oranges, red fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C
The major function of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in wound healing is supporting the formation of collagen, the most important protein in connective tissue, as well as the formation of new blood vessels.
Adequate Vitamin C levels will strengthen the healing wound, whereas deficiency has been found to impair wound healing and carry an increased risk of infection. Vitamin C deficiency is also related to impaired immune function, which can decrease the ability to fight infection. Evidence has shown supplementation of vitamin C can help to promote healing of pressure ulcers. Since the body does not store vitamin C, food sources should be consumed on a regular basis. Vitamin C is found mainly in fruit and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, kale and spinach.
Iron
Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin (red blood cells) that helps transfer oxygen to the site of the wound. Iron deficiency can therefore result in impaired healing also impaired collagen production decreasing the integrity of the wound. The richest and most readily absorbed iron in the diet comes from animal products including red meat, offal, fish and eggs. Other good sources include wholemeal bread, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a fundamental role in the overall success of many body functions including wound healing. Zinc is involved in tissue growth, collagen synthesis and immune system function.
Effects of zinc deficiency can include skin lesions, slowing or stunting of growth, impaired immune function and compromised would healing. Zinc is found in red meat, fish and shellfish, dairy products, poultry and eggs.
Hydration
Maintaining adequate hydration is imperative for wound healing. Dehydrated skin can become fragile, less elastic and more vulnerable to breakdown. Dehydration can also result in reduced blood circulation, impairing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the wound.
Nutreat Pro40 nutritional supplement powder optimise nutritional support across all areas of wound management including senior health and aged care, oncology, pre and post-surgery and sports injury management.
One serve of Nutreat Pro40 powder is high in protein and provides a rich source of 20 essential vitamins and minerals including Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamins C,E,A,D & the B group.