Role of Nutrition

The role of nutrition in wound management

Wound healing is a complex process. In simple terms, it’s the process of the body replacing injured tissue with new tissue. This process demands an increased consumption of energy and particular nutrients, like protein and calories, but all essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids are also required. 

The breaking down (catabolism) and building up (anabolism) of damaged and new tissues is quite energy-intensive. This healing takes priority over many other routine functions. If the body doesn’t have enough energy and nutrients to meet this increased demand, other healthy tissues (such as muscle or fat stores) will be broken down to provide the basic building blocks for new cells.

The stress of a wound triggers the immune and hormonal systems to speed up the synthesis of new cells and collagen – to provide protection from infection, while rebuilding new tissue. The greater the extent of the wound or injury, the longer the process may take, and the more nutrients the body needs throughout this time. Specialized formulas that provide higher levels of calories, protein and other vitamins and minerals are critical to successfully managing the increased nutritional needs of an individual with a wound.

Nestlé Nutrition provides a wide range of specialized nutritional products to help meet the unique and variable needs for wound management. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best delivery of these extra nutrients and all aspects of care.