Nutrition

By Mary Ellen Posthauer RDN, CD, LD, FAND

Function/Recommended Dietary Allowance:

Zinc is an essential trace mineral for DNA synthesis, cell division, collagen formation, protein synthesis, and immune function - all necessary processes for tissue regeneration and wound repair. Zinc is necessary to develop and activate T-lymphocytes, which are important for the immune system. Alterations in immune function increase the risk of infection, especially in the elderly and the very young.

By Mary Ellen Posthauer RDN, CD, LD, FAND

Metabolic Roles of Vitamin C

The major function of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in wound healing is assisting in the formation of collagen, the most important protein of connective tissue. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin found in water-filled foods, dissolves in water and is transported in the bloodstream. Excess amounts are excreted in the urine; however, since the body does not store vitamin C, food sources should be consumed on a regular basis. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to increase tensile strength and collagen synthesis by assisting in the hydroxylation of lysine and proline, major constituents of collagen.

By Michael Miller DO, FACOS, FAPWCA

Ramblings of An Itinerant Wound Care Guy pt. 1

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, FACCWS

Our eating habits are ingrained in us from an early age, and are often difficult to change. Eating is not only a physical necessity, but a social act that can have psychological components as well. As practitioners, we often know what our patients need to do to speed wound healing. Getting our patients on board, however, can be a challenge.

By Mary Ellen Posthauer RDN, CD, LD, FAND

For many years clinicians have relied on serum proteins, such as albumin and pre-albumin, as markers of nutritional status. However, current research indicates that there is little data to support this practice. Albumin and pre-albumin (transthyretin) are acute phase proteins. The advent of the inflammatory process - including infection, trauma, surgery, burns, and other wounds - elicits the acute phase response. During this acute phase response, these proteins decline and are called negative acute phase reactants.

By Aletha Tippett, MD

In my work as a wound physician, most of the patients I treat have diabetes because of this, much of my time is spent working with these patients to manage their diabetes.