High Protein Diet for Wound Healing

Proteins are essential to wound healing because they build, maintain and repair body tissues. Dr. Bruce Friedman's 2002 study, "Proactive Nutrition Support," states that severe injury causes "a tremendous loss of protein" and that inadequate protein intake slows healing. In his 2003 study, "Misconceptions about Protein Requirements for Wound Healing," Dr. Matthew Pompeo finds that, "persons with wounds generally require more protein than their non-wounded counterparts" and that increasing protein intake speeds healing. Registered dietician Amy Fleishman confirms that "inadequate protein delays wound healing."

Protein Supplements

Combining a high-protein diet with supplements may speed tissue repair. Doctors Jacob and Gabriel Wilsons' 2006 study of protein intake in resistance-trained athletes, published in the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition," showed that proteins from food absorb more slowly than proteins from oral supplements. Unlike whole foods, supplements contain proteins already partially digested by enzymes. These predigested proteins are more rapidly absorbed and transported to skin and muscle tissues. Taking protein supplements along with eating more dietary protein may increase the amount of protein available for tissue building. While athletes involved in strenuous exercise need more protein than inactive people, no additional benefits came from "protein overdose" because tissue building rate plateaus no matter how much protein is consumed.

Professor of nursing and internal medicine Courtney Lyder states in her 2008 "Handbook for Nurses" that "The use of high-protein diets for patients with protein deficiency is essential to wound healing." However, Professor Lyder found that protein supplements were not consistently proven to promote healing. According to registered dietician Joanne Larsen, protein supplements can be expensive and ineffective. More research is needed to determine how much dietary protein and which supplements best promote wound healing.

Amount Protein Needed

Because eating too much protein can cause permanent kidney damage, maximum protein intake recommended by dietician Joanne Larsen for healthy adults involved in strenuous exercise is 1.2 grams/kilograms (g/kg) a day or 20 percent of total dietary intake. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), healthy sedentary people require 0.8 g/kg a day of protein. Thus, to calculate the minimum amount of protein you need daily, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms, then multiply by 0.8. For example, a healthy person weighing 120 lbs. would weigh 54.5 kg and need to eat 43.6 g of protein per day.

Protein needs vary by age, gender, body weight, level of physical activity and wound size and severity.

Dr. Fleishman's study showed that the amount of protein needed for wound healing is also affected by health conditions like diabetes. Consult a doctor, dietician or wound-care expert to best determine how much protein and which food combinations will work best for your specific circumstances.

High Protein Foods

Proteins are composed of chemical compounds called amino acids, a variety of which are needed to form new skin and muscle tissues. Although many amino acids are produced by the body, "essential" amino acids are not. Eating "complete proteins" such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and soy ensures your diet includes all essential amino acids. Combinations of "incomplete proteins" from plants like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables can also provide all essential amino acids, according to the USDA.

The National Cancer Institute and the Cleveland Clinic recommend high-protein foods like milkshakes, yogurt, fruit, juices, instant breakfast protein shakes, vegetables (such as asparagus, broccoli, black eyed peas and cauliflower), peanuts, egg noodles, walnuts, as well as whole-wheat bread and spaghetti to promote wound healing.