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Supplemental Zinc in Wound Healing: Is It Beneficial?
Author(s) -
Malone Ainsley M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/088453360001500509
Subject(s) - wound healing , medicine , zinc , intensive care medicine , surgery , metallurgy , materials science
The role of nutrition in wound healing is well documented. Malnourished individuals demonstrate impaired wound healing. Specific nutrients are known to be essential in the wound‐healing process. Zinc, a component of multiple enzymes, is important in the formation of collagen, a critical component in the healing wound. The practice of providing supplemental zinc to patients with wounds is not uncommon. This article outlines the role of zinc in wound healing and reviews studies evaluating the use of supplemental zinc to enhance the wound‐healing process. Potential adverse effects of zinc supplementation also are described.