Nutritional support in wound healing.

Wounds place increased metabolic and hence nutritional demands on patients, which may not always be met, especially in older patients in the community. Patients may be deficient in carbohydrates, protein and amino acids, fatty acids and certain micronutrients. Nutritional support may be needed to promote wound healing. Nurses should be able to assess the risk of poor nutrition in patients with wounds and have a role in ensuring adequate nutrition through the normal diet or supplementation where necessary.