Wound: Most Effective Supplements

A wound is a lesion of the skin or underlying tissues caused by physical, thermal, or chemical aggression. It can result from cuts, burns, bruises, or be related to an underlying disease. It is important to disinfect any wound and consult a doctor in case of heavy bleeding or deep wounds requiring stitches. Vaccination against tetanus should be up-to-date to prevent any infection.

Classification of Wounds

Wounds can be classified based on several criteria: Appearance and Shape: • Closed wounds: such as bruises or hematomas, where the skin is not broken. • Open wounds: where the skin is broken, exposing internal tissues to the environment, increasing the risk of infection (cuts, perforations). Microbial Contamination: • Aseptic: low in germs. • Septic: contaminated or infected. Depth: • Superficial: affects only the surface of the skin. • Deep: reaches underlying layers, such as muscles or organs. Size: • Localized: small size. • Extensive: covers a large area. Color: • Black wound: covered with necrotic tissue. • Yellow wound: infected, presence of pus. • Red wound: healing, with a granular base, conducive to the development of new tissues.

Wound Healing

Healing is a complex process involving the repair of damaged tissues thanks to several cells, proteins, and soluble factors. This process unfolds in three phases: • Inflammatory Phase: the body sends immune cells to clean the wound and eliminate debris. • Tissue Formation Phase: new tissues form, filling the wound. • Remodeling Phase: tissues reorganize to strengthen the healed area. Several types of healing exist: • Normal Healing: follows the three phases. • Fetal Healing: occurs through regeneration, leaving no scar. • Excessive Healing: excessive tissue formation, resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars. • Inadequate Healing: the wound does not heal properly and turns into a chronic wound, often observed in people with diabetes or circulatory disorders (e.g., venous ulcers).

Role of Nutrition in Healing

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the healing process, which is a complex phenomenon requiring specific inputs to support tissue repair. • Energy and Metabolism: Wound healing increases the body’s energy needs. Energy is necessary to support hypercatabolism, a metabolic state where the body consumes more resources to regenerate damaged tissues. Energy recommendations vary according to the severity of the injury, with increased intake in cases of malnutrition or severe wounds. • Proteins: Proteins are essential for healing as they participate in collagen synthesis, the development of connective tissues, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). Protein needs are significantly increased in patients with chronic wounds or severe pressure sores. • Specific Amino Acids: Certain amino acids, like arginine and glutamine, play a specific role in healing. Arginine is a precursor of collagen and stimulates the secretion of hormones favoring tissue repair. Glutamine is essential for rapidly renewing cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, crucial for the immune response. • 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. • 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 connective tissue formation. • Hydration: adequate water intake is essential to maintain good blood circulation and sufficient oxygenation of healing tissues.

Wound Treatment

Treatment of wounds varies depending on the severity and nature of the wound. It can include local care and monitoring of the patient’s general condition. If 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.