Nutrition and Wound Care

Today's Wound Clinic spoke with Carolyn J. Alish, PhD, RD, and Research Scientist for Abbott Nutrition Products Division, Abbott Laboratories located in Columbus, Ohio, to learn more about the effect that Nutrition has on Wound Care.

Today's Wound Clinic (TWC): Briefly explain to our readers what your company specializes in?
Carolyn J. Alish (CA): Founded in 1903 and restructured to focus on innovative nutrition products, Abbott Nutrition is well recognized as one of the world's most respected names serving health care professionals and their patients. Healthcare professionals and their patients continue to look to us for nutritional products — and partnerships — that encompass every stage of life for essential growth, development, and well-being. Abbott Nutrition remains committed to the highest standards of quality, excellence, and innovation. We remain true to the tenets upon which our company was founded—providing innovative and superior nutrition that advances the quality of life for people of all ages. As our name indicates— nutrition is our business.

TWC: Explain to our readers the role that your company plays in the area of wound care?
CA: Abbott Nutrition is committed to providing innovative and superior nutrition that advances the quality of life of people of all ages. In the area of wound care, Juven, made by Abbott Nutrition, provides targeted nutrition therapy to patients with non-healing wounds.

TWC: How does a patient's nutrition affect the healing of their wounds?
CA: A key factor for wound healing is the patient's nutritional status. If nutrition intervention is not adequate, malnutrition can lead to impaired wound healing and immune function. Compromised immune status correlates with increased wound and infection rates. Hard-to-heal wounds will heal faster and with fewer complications when the patient is well-nourished. However, due to underlying conditions, an acute wound can become a chronic
wound, despite adequate nutrition and wound care practices.

TWC: What advice do you have for clinicians in the area of nutrition and wound care?
CA: Providing adequate calories, protein, micronutrients and fluids are paramount to any wound healing strategy. In many cases, even a diet planned for healing is not enough. The provision of functional amino acids, such as glutamine and arginine, along with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), may support wound healing. Together, these three components help support specific anabolic processes and immune functions that are vital to healing wounds.

For more information on Abbott Nutrition Products Division, Abbot Laboratories call (800) 227-5767 or visit www.abottnutrition.com