Wound and Burn Healing Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceEssential for collagen synthesis; critical for wound healing; antioxidant protection
Supporting Studies (1)
Essential for cell division and tissue repair; often depleted in burn patients
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsEssential building blocks for tissue repair; increased needs during wound healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports epithelialization and immune function; important for wound healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Antioxidant; supports healing; mixed evidence for scar prevention
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports collagen synthesis and immune function during wound healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports immune function and gut barrier; important in burn patients
Supporting Studies (1)
Modulates inflammation; supports immune function during healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Soothing; promotes epithelialization; traditional burn remedy with some evidence
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Wound healing is a complex process requiring adequate nutrition. Whether from surgery, injury, or burns, the body needs extra nutrients to repair tissue. Malnutrition significantly impairs healing and increases infection risk.
PHASES OF WOUND HEALING:
1. Hemostasis (minutes): Blood clotting
2. Inflammation (1-4 days): Immune response, cleaning
3. Proliferation (4-21 days): New tissue formation
4. Remodeling (21 days-2 years): Scar maturation
CRITICAL: Severe wounds and burns require medical care. This protocol supports healing alongside proper medical treatment.
FACTORS THAT IMPAIR HEALING:
BURN SEVERITY:
* Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis - the main structural protein in healing tissue.
* Zinc is critical for cell division and tissue repair.
* Protein/Amino acids provide the building blocks for new tissue.
* Vitamin A supports immune function and epithelialization.
* Aloe vera (topical) has evidence for minor burn healing.
Expected timeline: Minor wounds heal in 1-3 weeks. Major wounds and burns may take months. Adequate nutrition throughout is essential.
Clinical Perspective
Wound Healing: Complex process - hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodeling. Nutritional requirements increase: protein 1.5-2g/kg, increased micronutrients. Risk factors for poor healing: malnutrition, diabetes, vascular disease, infection, smoking, steroids, age. Burns: categorized by TBSA% and depth; major burns (>20% TBSA) have massive metabolic demands, require specialized nutrition support.
CRITICAL: Major wounds/burns need medical management. Nutrition is essential adjunct. Assess and correct malnutrition. Key nutrients: protein, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A. Enteral nutrition preferred when possible. Consider immunonutrition (arginine, glutamine, omega-3) for major wounds. Glycemic control critical in diabetics.
* Vitamin C (A-grade): Collagen synthesis. Systematic review: (PMID: 23075608). 500-2000mg daily.
* Zinc (A-grade): Tissue repair. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 26845419). 15-45mg daily.
* Protein (A-grade): Building blocks. Systematic review: (PMID: 28332116). 1.5-2g/kg/day.
* Vitamin A (B-grade): Epithelialization; immune. Review: (PMID: 27450775). 10,000-25,000 IU short-term.
* Vitamin E (C-grade): Mixed evidence. Systematic review: (PMID: 27918887). 400 IU oral; topical after closure.
* Arginine (B-grade): Collagen; immune. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 26950145). 4.5-9g daily.
* Glutamine (B-grade): Burns especially. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 29430697). 10-30g daily for major burns.
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids (B-grade): Inflammation modulation. Systematic review: (PMID: 27840029). 2-4g EPA+DHA daily.
* Aloe Vera (Topical) (B-grade): Minor burns. Systematic review: (PMID: 19370942). Apply 2-3x daily.
Assessment targets: Wound measurements, signs of healing, nutritional status (albumin, prealbumin), glycemic control, infection signs.
Protocol notes: Protein: most important macronutrient; can use supplements if oral intake inadequate. Hydration: adequate hydration critical. Glucose control: hyperglycemia impairs healing; target <180 mg/dL. Vitamin C: depleted rapidly with wounds; high doses safe. Zinc: important but don't over-supplement; toxicity possible. Vitamin A: short-term high doses; not in pregnancy. Smokers: 2-4x wound complications; cessation essential. Pressure ulcers: nutritional support critical; protein, zinc, vitamin C especially. Diabetic foot ulcers: vascular assessment, offloading, infection control, nutrition. Burns: specialized burn units for major; fluid resuscitation, aggressive nutrition, infection prevention. Enteral nutrition: preferred over parenteral when possible. Immunonutrition formulas: contain arginine, glutamine, omega-3; may improve outcomes in surgical/burn patients.