Prospective Evaluation of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Patients with Active Foot Ulceration.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the relationship between serum vitamin C, D, and zinc on foot wound healing and compare time to healing in individuals who are deficient versus those who have adequate levels.

APPROACH: One hundred adults with foot wounds were recruited from Blacktown high-risk foot service with a follow-up period of 12 months. Serum vitamin C, D, and zinc as well as routine baseline blood testing was undertaken. Wounds were measured using a three-dimensional wound camera and classified using the Wound Ischemia and Foot Infection system at regular intervals.

RESULTS

Vitamin C deficiency was present in 75% of participants, 50% had vitamin D deficiency, and 38% had zinc deficiency. Diabetes was present in 91% of participants, and 50% had a history of previous amputation. Wound chronicity (p = 0.03) and toe pressures (p = 0.04) were predictive of wound healing. Serum vitamin C, D, and zinc were not associated with significant differences in wound healing or time to wound healing.

INNOVATION: Deficiencies in vitamin C, D, and zinc were highly prevalent in participants with active foot ulceration. Wound chronicity was predictive of healing outcomes, highlighting the importance of rapid access to best practice care.

CONCLUSION

This cohort had high deficiency rates of vitamin C, D, and zinc consistent with previous literature; however, there was no relationship between these deficiencies and wound healing or time to heal. Large randomized controlled trials are required to comprehensively determine if adequate levels of these nutrients improve wound healing outcomes. [Figure: see text].