Supportive Treatment of Pressure Ulcers with Dietary Supplementation

Abstract

Pressure ulcers remain a major health problem in immobilized patients, both hospitalized and staying at nursing or private homes. Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for their development and dietary supplementation is a potentially valuable method of supportive treatment. However, clinical data showing specific efficacy of supplements in pressure ulcers are scanty. The present short review compares effects of two dietary supplements which have been tested as an addition to standard treatment of pressure ulcers in non-malnourished patients: Cubitan (Nutricia) which is a complex protein and vitamin formulation, and carnosine, a dipeptide naturally present in meat, which may exert significant pharmacologic effects