The role of nutrition in wound healing is receiving increasing attention in research and clinical practice, with growing recognition that nutritional care should form part of a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to wound management. Today's story is brought to you by Wounds Australia Silver Partner Flavour Creations.

A recent review published in Wound Practice and Research highlights the importance of adequate nutritional support in chronic wound management. Wound healing is a nutrient-demanding process, with protein and micronutrients such as vitamin C and zinc playing important roles in collagen synthesis, immune function and tissue repair. Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies can disrupt these processes and delay wound closure, reinforcing the importance of nutrition screening, assessment and individualised intervention.

A food-first approach remains central to nutritional care. However, where nutritional requirements cannot be adequately met through diet alone, targeted oral nutritional supplements may form part of an individualised nutrition plan. The review reports that multi-nutrient oral formulations containing protein, arginine, zinc and antioxidants have demonstrated benefits including reduced healing times, decreased ulcer size and increased closure rates.

The role of arginine in supporting healing 

Arginine is one nutrient attracting particular interest. A conditionally essential amino acid, it supports nitric oxide synthesis, immune function and collagen deposition. The Wound Practice and Research review notes positive outcomes from the inclusion of arginine in specialised oral nutritional supplements for pressure injury management, while acknowledging that further research is needed to establish optimal nutritional formulations.

Australian case studies explore the impact of targeted nutrition

Two recent Australian case studies illustrate how targeted nutrition can be integrated alongside standard wound care. Both case studies incorporated Argie Wound Care, a targeted wound care oral nutritional supplement.

In the first, a 69-year-old man had experienced a pressure injury to his left lateral knee for 16 months, with no significant improvement despite consistent wound care. Following consultation with his Clinical Nurse Specialist and GP, Argie Wound Care was introduced once daily alongside existing wound management and encouragement of a high-protein high-energy diet. Progressive improvement was recorded, with complete wound closure at eight weeks. Read the case study.

The second case involved a 92-year-old residential aged care resident whose right heel pressure injury had deteriorated over two months of standard wound care. Following assessment by an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Argie Wound Care was introduced twice daily, with the existing dressing regimen unchanged. Improvement was observed after one week, with complete closure recorded two weeks after the nutrition intervention commenced. Read the case study.

Argie Wound Care is a 150mL, high-energy, high-protein oral nutritional supplement containing L-arginine, vitamin C and zinc, formulated to help meet the increased nutritional requirements associated with wound healing.

For a deeper exploration of the evidence, read Nutrition and chronic wound care: from assessment to personalised interventions by Sarchio SNE et al in WPR Journal. 

Find out more about Argie Wound Care 

Founded in Queensland, Australia, Flavour Creations has been developing science-backed, targeted health and medical nutrition solutions for over 29 years. Argie Wound Care is a multi-nutrient, targeted wound care nutrition solution available through hospitals, aged care homes, pharmacies and direct to consumers. Part-proceeds from every can of Argie Wound Care sold are donated to Wounds Australia to support our work. To learn more about targeted nutrition in wound care, contact Flavour Creations. 

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Disclaimer: Argie Wound Care is a food for special medical purposes. Formulated to provide protein and L-arginine for the dietary management of wound care. Use under medical supervision. Not for parenteral use. Not suitable as a sole source of nutrition or for children under 3 years of age.