The role of nutrition in wound healing is well documented. Malnourished individuals demonstrate impaired wound healing. Specific nutrients are known to be essential in the wound-healing process. Zinc, a component of multiple enzymes, is important in the formation of collagen, a critical component in the healing wound. The practice of providing supplemental zinc to patients with wounds is not uncommon. This article outlines the role of zinc in wound healing and reviews studies evaluating the use of supplemental zinc to enhance the wound-healing process. Potential adverse effects of zinc supplementation also are described.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
1. Ehrlich HP. The physiology of wound healing. Advances Wound Care1998;19 pars (November 11, 1999): Online. Available: http://www.woundcarenet.com/advances/articles/ woundhealing.htm/.
2.
2. Freedlinc A. Phases of wound healing. The Wound Care Information Network (21 November 1999). Online. Available: http:// www.medicalcdu.com/phascs.html/.
3.
3. Haydock DA, Hill GL. Impaired wound healing in surgical patients with varying degrees of malnutrition. JPEN10:550–555, 1986
4.
4. Sandstead HH, Henriksen LK, Greger JL, Prasad AS, Good RA. Zinc nutriture in the elderly in relation to taste acuity, immune response and wound healing. Am J Clin Nutr36:1046–1059, 1982
5.
5. Prasad AS. Zinc: An overview. Nutrition11:93–99, 1995
6.
6. Albina JE. Nutrition and wound healing. JPEN18:367–376, 1994
7.
7. Agren MS, Franzen L. Influence of zinc deficiency on breaking strength of 3-week old skin incisions in the rat. Acta Chir Scand156:667–670, 1990
8.
8. Hallbook T, Lanner E. Serum zinc and healing of venous leg ulcers. Lancet2:780–782, 1972
9.
9. Sandstead HH, Egger NG. Is zinc nutriture a problem in persons with diabetes mellitus?Am J Clin Nutr66:681–682, 1997
10.
10. Andrews M, Gallagher-AHred C. The role of zinc in wound healing. Adv Wound Oarc12:137–138, 1999
11.
11. Nezu R, Takagi Y, Ito T, Matsuda H, Okada A. The importance of total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated tissue zinc distribution in wound healing. Surg Today29:34–41, 1999
12.
12. Lansdown ABG. Zinc in the healing wound. Lancet347:706–707, 1996
14. Braunschweig C. Minerals and trace elements. In: Matarase LE, Gottschlich MM, eds. Contemporary Nutrition Support Practice: A Clinical Guide. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1998, pp 163–173
15.
15. King JC, Keen CL. Zinc. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9th ed.Philadelphia: Lee & Febiger, 1999, pp 223–239
16.
16. Krebs NF. Overview of zinc absorption and excretion in the human gastrointestinal tract. J Nutr130:1374S–1377S, 2000
17.
17. Sauberlich HE. Laboratory Tests for the Assessment of Nutritional Status, 2nd ed. New York: CRC Press, 383–396, 1999
18.
18. Pories WJ, Henzel JH, Rob CG, Strain WH. Acceleration of healing with zinc sulfate. Ann Surg165:432–436, 1967
19.
19. Norris JR, Reynolds RE. The effect of oral zinc sulfate therapy on decubitus ulcers. J Am Geriatr Soc19:793–797, 1971
20.
20. Haggard J, Houston MS, Williford JH, Meserve LA, Shewokis P. Retrospective study of the effects of zinc supplementation in an elderly institutionalized population with decubitus ulcers (Abstract). J Am Diet Assoc (Suppl)A-11, 1999
21.
21. Solomons NW. Zinc. In: Baumgartner TG, ed. Clinical Guide to Parenteral Micronutrition, 2nd ed.Lyphomed, Division of Fujisawa, USA, 1991, pp 215–233
22.
22. Trace elements. In: Kastrup ER, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. St Louis, MO: Lippincott, 2000, p 43
