Trauma and wound healing

Trauma is a stressful event caused by either a mechanical or a chemical injury. Depending on its level, trauma can have serious short-term and long-term consequences. The role of healthy nutrition, both in promoting healing and in avoiding complications associated with trauma, has long been acknowledged in trauma recovery.

The body needs a certain amount of nutrients to maintain a constant, healthy state. This need is determined by the basal metabolic rate. Any external or internal trauma raises the metabolic rate, and greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients are required to supply enough fuel and amino acids for repair and recovery.

Energy expenditure may rise by 10 percent to 50 percent to support the intense metabolic workload (Omerbegovic M et al 2003). Protein and amino acid requirements increase to support formation of new tissues and proliferation of immune cells, maintain lean body mass (or muscle protein), and replace the protein lost to perspiration, bleeding, and excretion.
A positive nutritional balance is reflected in rapid healing of wounds, an efficient immune response, the absence of infections or sepsis (shock), and maintenance of a lean body mass. The following vitamins and nutrients may aid the healing process:
Vitamin A—5000 to 10,000 international units (IU) daily
Vitamin C—1000 milligrams (mg) daily
Zinc—50 mg daily
L-arginine—9000 to 18,000 mg daily
L-ornithine—1000 mg daily
Glutamine—1000 to 3000 mg daily
Bromelain—500 mg daily
Glucosamine —1500 mg daily
Aloe vera—follow label directions
Curcumin—800 to 1600 mg daily
Omega-3 fatty acids—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily

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