Nutrition Supplements

Malnutrition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among older hospitalized adults, yet it often goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated. It has been established that malnourished hospitalized patients experience slower wound healing, higher risks of infection, and longer length of stay. Malnutrition is a burdensome condition associated with a 34% higher cost for a hospital stay compared with a non-malnourished patient. Sufficient macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are vital for the body to support tissue integrity and prevent breakdown. Research supports that weight loss and difficulties with eating can increase the incidence of pressure injuries.

As clinicians know, wound healing is a complex biological process that involves the migration and proliferation of cells along with other molecular events like extracellular matrix deposition. Regardless of the process for healing a wound at the cellular level, a patient’s ability to get adequate nutrition can also play a role in this healing process. It has been shown that malnutrition can cause increased levels of infection, along with a decrease in tensile strength. As a result, the lack of nutritious foods further delays the wound healing process, potentially putting a patient at risk of developing a non-healing wound.