Nutrition and Surgical Wound Healing

How to Help Surgical Wound Healing With Nutrition

Following major surgeries, patients require adequate nutrition to heal surgical wounds. 

Here is an overview of nutritional needs, courtesy of Abbott.

• Arginine and glutamine : Arginine promotes the production of protein, enhances cell growth, triggers collagen production, strengthens immune function and promotes blood flow. Glutamine also promotes collagen production and supports a healthy immune system. Together, these activities help support vital repair and rebuilding.

• Hydrolyzed collagen : This is collagen that's been broken down into building blocks, providing our bodies with the raw materials needed to cover a wound. It helps to increase the body's collagen level and stimulates the production of internal collagen at the wound site.

• HMB : Short for β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine. HMB helps slow muscle breakdown while also spurring protein synthesis.

• Zinc : This mineral aids in DNA and protein synthesis, immune function and skin integrity.

• Vitamins C and E : These antioxidants help the body recover and manage cell damage. Vitamin C helps improve collagen strength, while vitamin E assists in stabilizing cells.

• Vitamin B12 : This vitamin increases levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin, allowing the body to easily get oxygen and nutrients to the incision site for healing. It also helps spur collagen production.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.