Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Integrative Medical Products in Wound Healing

Purpose of the Review: The goal of this paper is to review the importance of macronutrients and trace elements in surgical nutrition as they impact wound healing. The role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are discussed as they are integral to the healing wound, and several micronutrients and their importance in collage crosslinking are examined. Lastly, we examine adjunctive therapeutic products that may assist in the wound healing process. Recent Findings: There are several novel integrative medical products to assist in the wound healing process, which are briefly discussed, as well as the available evidence to support their use. Topical agents focusing on the primary cellular mechanisms and host tissue responses are reviewed. Novel injectables such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are also presented for their application in wound healing. Summary: The pathophysiology of wound healing relies heavily on nutritional support. The focus of many wound healing adjuncts capitalizes on nutritional pathways by altering inflammatory or immunologic function.