Protein And Wound Healing

Protein is an essential nutrient for wound care and healing. It is the main building blocks for tissue growth, cell renewal, and skin repair. They aid in wound repair, skin integrity, fluid and electrolyte balance, and facilitating immune response activation.

Low protein levels can prolong wound healing time and increase the burden on patients and families. Chronic non-healing wounds, such as pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic lesions can increase the demand for proteins by up to 250% and large quantities of proteins can be lost through wound exudates and discharges.

Protein helps strengthen the immune system enabling it to fight infections. It is important to ensure you have enough protein in your diet to support the healing process.

Protein shakes come in a variety of flavors and are a great to-go supplement. Other high protein foods include lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts. High-protein cookies, gelatins, and nutrition bars can also offer an additional source of protein. Adding protein powder to soups, sauces, and milkshakes can also increase your protein intake.

The recommended intake of protein is 0.8 g protein/kg/day of body weight, but this is based on the needs of healthy adults. Older patients may require a higher daily protein intake of 1.0 g/kg/day. People with wounds can require up to 1.5 g/kg/day.  However, if you have kidney disease then follow their doctor’s advice.  Extra protein can damage kidneys already at risk.

Nutrition is important in wound healing and adding protein to your diet may help your wounds heal faster. Many different supplemental protein products are available.  So next time you have a wound talk to your wound care specialist about adding protein to your diet to help your wound heal.