The Important Role Nutrients Play in Wound Healing

Stages of Wound Healing

In the first stage of wound healing, if there is bleeding, the blood will clot within a few minutes to stop the bleeding.

Second, the blood clots dry, it forms a scab to protect the tissue underneath from bacteria.

Third, once the scab is formed, “your body’s immune system starts to protect the wound from infection” over the next 2 to 5 days. The wound becomes slightly swollen, red or pink, and tender.” The wound may have “some clear fluid oozing from it,” which helps clean the area. Nearby blood vessels open to “bring oxygen and nutrients to the wound. Oxygen is essential for healing.” The “white blood cells help fight infection from germs and begin to repair the wound.”

Fourth, the new tissue formation and rebuilding of blood vessels (angiogenesis) occur over the next 3+ weeks. The red blood cells create the strong foundation of new tissue known as collagen. New tissue is formed called granulation tissue then new skin forms over this tissue. “As the wound heals, the edges pull inward and the wound gets smaller.”

Fifth, a “scar forms and the wound becomes stronger.” The area may itch as it heals due to the brain interpreting the nerve signals as itchy. The nerve signals were sent by the spinal cord from skin stimulation. “After the scab falls off, the area may look stretched, red, and shiny. The scar that forms will be smaller than the original wound. It will be less strong and less flexible than the surrounding skin. Over time, the scar will fade and may disappear completely. This can take as long as 2 years. Some scars never go away completely. Scars form because the new tissue grows back differently than the original tissue. If you only injured the top layer of skin, you will probably not have a scar. With deeper wounds, you are more likely to have a scar.”

The Important Role Nutrients Play in Wound Healing

Wound healing requires the nutrients:

Protein is essential for the maintenance and repair of body tissue. If protein levels are low, collagen development will decrease enough to slow down the wound healing process.
Energy, in the form of carbs and fats, is needed since the demand is increased due to the wound. The amount depends on the wound size.
L-Arginine, a non-essential amino acid, has properties that enhance its role in structural protein synthesis. The body needs more protein during wound healing, so the demand for normally nonessential amino acids increases. Protein supplementation containing L-arginine, such as LPS Critical Care and DPP, reduces muscle loss and helps with collagen synthesis, “which then helps to increase the strength of the wound.”
Vitamin C strengthens the wound via collagen synthesis cross-linking. It also helps in the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
Vitamin A stimulates collagen synthesis by increasing the inflammatory response in wounds. The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured. The damaged cells release chemicals that cause “blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, causing swelling. This helps isolate the foreign substance from further contact with body tissues.”
Zinc is needed for protein and collagen synthesis. It increases skin cell production and wound strength.
Iron is a “mineral that provides oxygen to the site of the wound; therefore iron (hemoglobin) deficiency can impair healing. Iron deficiency can also result in impaired collagen production and strength of the wound. The best sources of iron in the diet are red meat, offal, fish, eggs, wholemeal bread, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and yeast extracts.”
Hydration is important since it maintains the skin’s elasticity, which makes it less susceptible to breakdown. Staying hydrated is also important to keep blood circulating. Blood carries all the necessary nutrients to help heal the wound.

Wound Healing Supplements

The long search for supplements for skin healing is over! Try our Liquid Protein Supplement called (LPS Critical Care) or for more advanced wound healing, try our Dipeptide Power (DPP). Both contain 100% amino acids. LPS Critical Care made from collagen and whey protein. DPP is made from patented collagen dipeptides, which contain 30x the concentration of collagen than normal collagen.

All of our liquid proteins, Dipeptide Power (DPP) and Liquid Protein Supplement (LPS), and LPS Critical Care contain 100% amino acids. Taking a liquid supplement over pills or tablets allows for faster absorption and it is easier to take.

Heal wounds fast with DPP®, which contains collagen dipeptides & 100% amino acids for wound repair & support from within (available in single-serve packets & 32oz bottles). LPS® contains hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein, making it have 100% amino acids. LPS promotes muscle growth and prevents muscle wasting (available in single-serve packets & 32oz bottles). It also supports ligaments, tendons, skeletal muscles, hair, skin, & nails. LPS Critical Care® is made with a mix of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein with Zinc, L-Arginine & Vitamin C for optimal wound healing & preventing muscle wasting (available in 32oz bottles).