Preventing pressure ulcers
They occur when the skin breaks down after staying in one position for too long. Constant pressure against the skin reduces the blood supply and the tissue dies.
It’s a problem for people in a wheelchair or bedridden.
Researchers at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel studied the effect of a diet high in fatty acids and vitamins to prevent or heal pressure ulcers.
First, the details.
- 100 patients with acute lung injury were studied.
- A diet enriched in the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); the omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA); and vitamins (A, C and E) was compared to a diet that was not enriched.
And, the results.
- There were significantly fewer new pressure ulcers with the enriched diet vs the control group.
- Healing of existing pressure ulcers was not affected.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “A diet enriched with EPA, GLA, and vitamins A, C and E is associated with a significantly lower occurrence of new pressure ulcers in critically ill patients with acute lung injury.”
Many factors are associated with pressure ulcers, including malnutrition. A well balanced diet is one approach to reducing the risk. Now, the contribution of lipids as well as vitamins and antioxidants is clearer.
3/2/08 12:34 JR