WATCHING what you eat isn’t just about keeping an eye on your waistline.
Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutrients is vital for optimal health and wellbeing in seniors, particularly when it comes to healing wounds.
Chronic wounds are a growing health concern, with malnutrition and older age both major risk factors for developing a wound. And according to nutrition expert Fiona Justice, nutrition should be considered a “fundamental part of any wound management plan”.
The medical affairs specialist at Nestle Health Science, said it’s estimated that up to 60 per cent of older patients in hospitals are malnourished, or at risk of malnutrition. Of those in nursing homes, between 40 and 85 per cent have malnutrition, and between 20 and 60 per cent of people living at home are in the same boat.
Many chronic wounds come from pressure ulcers, caused by sustained external pressure that damages microcirculation, leading to tissue death. They can develop in as little as one to five days. Pressure ulcers and chronic wounds are incredibly painful causing discomfort and decreased mobility.
“Research shows that 17-35 per cent of individuals have pressure ulcers on admission to aged care facilities, while another separate study showed that 57 per cent of referrals to a home-care nursing service were for wound care,” Ms Justice said.
“Wound healing is a complex process, where injured tissue is replaced with new tissue produced by the body, which requires an increased consumption of energy and important nutrients, in particular protein and arginine – an amino acid that plays an important role as it helps to increase blood flow to the surface of the wound and also helps to produce new skin.
“Without adequate nutrition, healing of wounds may be delayed, wound strength may be impaired making it prone to breakdown, or the wound may not heal at all.”
Ms Justice said nutrients such as protein, vitamins C and E, zinc and arginine all play an important role in wound management. During wound healing, arginine requirements can increase and supplementation may be required.
“Supplementary arginine has been shown to significantly improve the rate of wound healing,” she said.
Nutritional supplements such as Arginaid and Arginaid Extra that contain supplementary arginine can be used to increase energy. These are now available at a subsidised cost of $6.30 per script for eligible veterans (Gold, White and Orange card holders) through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
- For more information see your GP or phone 1800-671-628.
