Recently, while visiting a client I was asked what she could do to help her wounds heal faster. She was obviously surprised by my answer so it prompted me to reach out to all our clients and caregivers to assure that we are aware of the importance of nutrition, particularly protein, when it comes to the healing of wounds.
The key to skin integrity is prevention; most notably by keeping the skin clean, dry and free from points of continuous pressure. Prevention also includes getting adequate sleep, nutrition and hydration. If a client has a wound, either chronic or acute (such as after surgery), in addition to the preventative actions outlined above, it is important to increase the protein intake in the client’s diet (unless the client has another medical condition that would contraindicate the increase).
The average healthy adult needs protein of 0.8 grams/kg of body weight, however elderly clients may require a higher baseline intake of protein, more in line of 1 gram/kg of body weight. For those clients who are postsurgical or with pressure ulcers it is recommended that they consume 1.5 grams/kg of body weight.
I know that this seems like a lot of math, but remember this: 1 kg is equal to 2.2 pounds of weight.
- 150 lbs. divided by 2.2 = 68 kg; the client needs 68 grams of protein per day
Most food labels and protein drinks will give the grams of protein for easy calculation.
Remember our body is full of muscles and we need to be conscious of our protein intake. If we do not consume enough, our body will break find it another way, namely by breaking down (weakening) our muscles if necessary!
Here is a chart of some common food staples to help you gauge protein in grams:
Protein source Protein content (g)
Meat, poultry, eggs, fish (1 oz) 7 g
Milk (8 fl oz) 8 g
Breads and starches* 3 g
Vegetables (½ C)* 0 to 2 g (legumes have highest content)
Fruits (½ C)* Trace amounts1
