THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN FACTORS AFFECTING WOUND HEALING

Wound healing is a complex process involving the integration of multiple biological pathways. although this process is highly evolved, the replacement of lost or damaged tissue can be negatively influenced by multiple factors, including concurrent disease, such as diabetes, vascular disease, and renal failure, malnutrition, smoking, radiation exposure, infection, and immunocompromise. in the presence of these local and systemic factors, wounds can fail to adequately heal, resulting in chronic ulcer formation. successful wound healing requires adequate blood and nutrients to be supplied to the site of damage, the overall health and nutritional status of the patient influences the outcome of the damaged tissue. nutrition is an important component of wound healing. several studies have indicated that nutrient deficiencies are more prevalent and cause delayed healing in patients with wounds. reading this article will help the clinician to better understand the importance of screening, referral for a comprehensive nutrition assessment by the registered dietitian, and the development of a care plan for the prevention and/or treatment of wounds.