A healthcare professional, in the course of their practice, applies nutrition principles to help prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses—especially those arising from nutritional deficiencies, excesses, or metabolic imbalances. Their goal is to promote better health through targeted dietary strategies.
This tool serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, helping them select the most suitable adult tube feeding product based on volume requirements and specific patient needs. It also supports clinical services aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies or excesses in individuals.
Understanding the roles of nutrients is essential:
Macronutrients—such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—are required by the body in large amounts to provide energy and support growth and repair.
In contrast, micronutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, are needed in smaller quantities but play a critical role in supporting various bodily functions and maintaining overall health.
Understanding the role of diet and essential nutrients is key to promoting optimal wound healing. This includes offering guidance on nutritional interventions and practical tips for using oral nutritional supplements effectively. The approach involves assessing the patient’s nutritional status, adjusting diet plans, providing appropriate supplements, and delivering personalized education tailored to each person’s health needs and medical condition.
According to the 2019 NPIAP guidelines, it is recommended that care teams provide additional calories, protein, arginine, and micronutrients to support more effective wound healing, particularly for pressure injuries of stage 2 or higher. The guidelines highlight the importance of supplementing with arginine and essential micronutrients to enhance recovery.
Comprehensive care also involves regular nutrition screening and assessment, which includes monitoring weight, BMI, medical history, dietary intake, functional status, and lab results.
To meet nutritional needs:
Energy intake should be around 30–35 kcal/kg/day for adults.
Protein intake should be 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day to support tissue repair.
Hydration is essential—adequate fluid intake must be encouraged.
Micronutrient support is vital, ensuring sufficient vitamin and mineral intake.
When dietary intake is inadequate, the use of oral nutritional supplements should be considered. In some cases, enteral or parenteral nutrition may be necessary to meet individual needs.
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