Nutritional support in the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers: an overview of studies with an arginine enriched oral nutritional supplement.

Under-nutrition, inadequate protein or poor protein and energy intake and unintended weight loss have been identified as independent risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers. Providing oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in addition to regular food intake seems a logical way to replenish body shortages of macro- and micronutrients as well as to supply extra nutrients for the preservation of skin tissue, strengthening of tissue resistance, and promoting tissue repair. To examine the effect of nutritional intervention in pressure ulcer care, clinical studies performed with a specific ONS enriched with arginine, vitamin C and zinc were reviewed. Six clinical studies that were performed with the specific ONS, identified via electronic and conference databases, were included in the review. Four studies examined the effects of the specific ONS in patients with pressure ulcers, while two studies examined the effects of the specific ONS in patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. The reviewed practice-based studies with the specific ONS specifically developed for patients with pressure ulcers show positive effects of this ONS on pressure ulcer healing and the ONS might potentially reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.