Nutritional Intake Patterns of Patients with Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers
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Date
2014-03-26
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Abstract
Nutrient Intake Patterns of Patients with Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers
Chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) are challenging conditions affecting approximately 1% of the population and 3.6% of individuals over age 65 years, costing the U.S. healthcare system up to $3.5 billion annually. Certain nutritional deficits are linked to poor wound healing. For example, high n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratios are associated with chronic inflammation which may delay healing progression. Thus it may be important to assess diets of CVLU patients to ascertain whether nutritional interventions are warranted. This study’s purpose was to determine average daily intake of key nutrients known to impact wound healing in a sample of CVLU patients. Sample: 12 adults from the Midwest with CVLUs, ages 48-80 years. Methods: Electronic Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) were completed by participants during a onetime visit to a clinical research center to determine average daily nutrient intake for the previous three months. Plasma samples were collected to quantify n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios and body mass indices (BMI) were calculated for assessment of overweight and obesity. Results: On average, according to recommended daily intake (RDI) parameters, participants consumed adequate amounts of zinc: 10.78 mg/d (SD= 5.17) (RDI: 8-11mg/d) and protein: 71.37g/d (SD= 31.32) (RDI: 46-56g/d), but lower than recommended amounts of vitamin C: 60.03 mg/d (SD=49.73) (RDI: 75-90 mg/d). Furthermore the average n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was 11.25 (SD= 1.99) (optimal: 4:1) and the average, BMI was 41.48 (SD=11.47) (obese). Conclusion: Although CVLU patients in this study were consuming adequate amounts of zinc and protein, their vitamin C intake was lower than recommended, which could negatively impact wound healing processes. The high n-6/n-3 ratios suggest a pro-inflammatory state which could also contribute to healing delays. Additionally, high BMIs may increase other chronic disease risk. A multidisciplinary approach that promotes healthy, nutrient-rich diets may improve wound healing and long-term health outcomes in this population.
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Health Professions - Clinical: 1st Place (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)
Keywords
chronic venous leg ulcers, chronic wounds, nutrition and wound healing, chronic venous leg ulcer patient characteristics, Food Frequency Questionnaire, Plasma PUFA levels