It has long been recognized that protein is essential for wound repair and regeneration. Angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, collagen syhthesis, and scar remodeling will not occur without essential amino acids.
Amino acids are also necessary in supporting the immune response.
Because tissue injury results in increased protein metabolism and use of protein to promote wound healing, additional dietary sources are essential for patients with chronic wounds. Adequate amounts of fats and carbohydrates are needed in order to prevent the amino acids from being oxidized for caloric needs. Additionally glucose is needed to meet the energy requirements of the cells involved in wound repair. Albumin Albumin is the single most important indicator of malnutrition because it is sacrificed to provide essential amino acids in the event of inadequate protein intake. The half life of albumin is 20 days therefore a low albumin is indicative of chronic malnourshment.