Nutritional factors in the etiology and treatment of pressure sores

Nutritional factors that affect the etiology and treatment of pressure sores (bedsores) are discussed. Obesity, underweight, protein deficiency, anemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration, atherosclerosis, anorexia and inadequate food intake are precipitating nutritional causes. Dietary treatment of pressure sores should include a high calorie-high protein diet (to promote normal wound healing); adequate fluids (with caloric value, if possible); ascorbic acid (to promote wound healing); other vitamins (RDA level is recommended); iron; zinc; and magnesium (for protein synthesis). (kbc)