Wound: the most effective dietary supplements

A wound is an injury to the skin or underlying tissues caused by physical, thermal, or chemical trauma. It can result from cuts, burns, bruises, or be related to an underlying disease. It is important to disinfect any wound and consult a physician in case of heavy bleeding or deep wounds requiring stitches. Tetanus vaccination should be up to date to prevent infection.

Classification of wounds

Wounds can be classified according to several criteria :rnrnAppearance and shape :rn• Closed wounds: such as contusions or hematomas, where the skin is not broken.rn• Open wounds: where the skin is broken, exposing internal tissues to the environment, which increases the risk of infection (cuts, punctures).rnrnMicrobial contamination :rn• Aseptic: low in germs.rn• Septic: contaminated or infected.rnrnDepth :rn• Superficial: affect only the surface of the skin.rn• Deep: reach the underlying layers, such as muscles or organs.rnrnSize :rn• Localized: small in size.rn• Extensive: cover a large surface area.rnrnColor :rn• Black wound: covered with necrotic tissue.rn• Yellow wound: infected, with pus present.rn• Red wound: healing, with a granulating base, conducive to the development of new tissue.

Wound healing

The healing process is complex and involves the repair of damaged tissues through multiple cells, proteins, and soluble factors. rnThis process occurs in three phases :rnrn• Inflammatory phase : the body sends immune cells to clean the wound and remove debris.rnrn• Tissue formation phase : new tissues form, filling the wound.rnrn• Remodeling phase : tissues reorganize to strengthen the healed area.rnrnSeveral types of healing can be distinguished :rnrn• Normal healing : occurs according to the three phases.rnrn• Fetal healing : occurs by regeneration, leaving no scar.rnrn• Excessive healing : an overly large tissue formation, resulting in hypertrophic scars or keloids.rnrn• Inadequate healing : the wound does not heal properly and progresses to a chronic wound, often observed in people with diabetes or circulatory disorders (e.g., venous ulcers).

Role of nutrition in wound healing

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the wound healing process, which is a complex phenomenon requiring specific intake to support tissue repair.rnrn• Energy and Metabolism : Wound healing increases the body's energy needs. Energy is required to support hypercatabolism, a metabolic state in which the body consumes more resources to regenerate damaged tissues. Energy recommendations vary depending on the severity of the injury, with increased intake in cases of malnutrition or severe wounds.rnrn• Proteins : Proteins are essential for healing as they are involved in collagen synthesis, the development of connective tissues, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). Protein requirements are significantly increased in patients with chronic wounds or severe pressure ulcers.rnrn• Specific Amino Acids : Certain amino acids, such as arginine and glutamine, play a specific role in healing. Arginine is a precursor of collagen and stimulates the secretion of hormones that promote tissue repair. Glutamine, meanwhile, is indispensable for rapidly renewing cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, which are essential to the immune response.rnrn• Vitamins : Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and immune function. Vitamin A promotes epithelial cell proliferation and collagen strength. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidative damage.rnrn• Minerals : Zinc is important for protein synthesis and cell proliferation. Iron, as an enzymatic cofactor, is essential for tissue oxygenation. Silicon is also recommended and contributes to the formation of connective tissue.rnrn• Hydration : adequate fluid intake is essential to maintain good blood circulation and sufficient oxygenation of healing tissues.

Wound treatment

Wound treatment varies depending on the severity and nature of the wound. It may include local care and monitoring of the patient's overall condition. rnrnIf needed, the use of trace elements such as zinc (15 mg/day) and silicon (25 mg/day) orally can promote healing and strengthen the immune system.