The role of nutrition in wound healing
A wound usually takes about ten days to heal and form a stable scar. A deficiency of certain nutrients may result in insufficient protein and energy intake to promote wound healing.
Proper nutrition allows wounds to heal better. The body needs proteins and their components, amino acids, to build connective tissue and for cell growth. If there is a protein deficiency, bacteria that may be present in the wound can no longer be completely killed. This increases the risk of the wound becoming infected and unable to heal. Specific amino acids such as arginine and glutamine play a particularly important role in wound healing.
The role of arginine and glutamine
Arginine promotes the formation of new blood vessels, cell division and cell growth. Foods rich in arginine include nuts, for example. Glutamine is important for the cells of the immune system, but also significant for skin cells. Foods high in glutamine include legumes and cereals. In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates are also used by the body to build new skin cells. Fats contain lipids, which the skin needs to build new cells. Carbohydrates provide a "scaffold" for new cells. Vitamins are also involved in wound healing. Vitamin A for collagen synthesis: If collagen is missing, wounds can reopen more easily.
Zinc stimulates new skin formation
A deficiency of vitamin A also leads to a delay in the overgrowth of a wound by cells. Vitamin C is important for wound healing and protection against infection. Since this vitamin is not stored in the body, a deficiency can quickly develop if the supply is insufficient.
Vitamin E strengthens the cells needed for wound healing. In high doses, however, vitamin E can also inhibit wound healing. Vitamin K is not directly involved in wound healing, but it does have an influence on the formation of certain blood clotting factors.
Vitamin B5 (also called pantothenic acid) also contributes to the healing of wounds and is important for the repair process. It has also proven its worth in the treatment of burns and scalds. A wide variety of vitamins can be found in fruits and vegetables, for example. Among trace elements, iron, copper and zinc in particular play an important role in wound healing. Iron is important for healthy scar tissue and can be found in whole grains and fish, for example. Copper transports iron through the body and is found, for example, in mushrooms. Zinc stimulates the formation of new skin and thus promotes wound healing.
Source: Wundcare Berlin
