Nutritional factors associated with wound healing in the elderly.

A number of biological and sociological factors affect the ability of the elderly to ingest and utilize nutrients believed to be important in wound healing. Lack of economic resources, lack of the ability or motivation to prepare foods, difficulty digesting certain foods, and chronic illness are all examples of factors which affect the nutritional well-being of many of our elderly population. A deficiency of those nutrients which are involved in the healing process may delay wound healing. Research supports the importance of protein, vitamin C and zinc on wound healing. Many other nutrients such as amino acids, thiamine and magnesium are involved in the biochemical processes of wound healing. Researchers continue to investigate the role and mechanism of these and other nutrients in wound healing.