With a prevalence of 17-28% of all long term facility residents, pressure ulcers are a major concern. Pressure sore development is multifactorial and it has long been established that compromised nutritional status is an independent risk factor for pressure ulcers. Further the catabolic nature of pressure ulcers impairs nutritional status and precipitates the need for protein ⁽¹⁾.

One of the treatment modalities for managing pressure ulcers is restoration of nutritional status. This becomes more difficult because of the increased metabolic demands associated with wound healing. Of the nutritional components of the diet, protein appears to have the greatest effect. Greater ulcer healing resulted in a 25% protein diet as compared to a 16% protein diet. This suggests that protein has a greater ulcer healing effect than merely maintaining adequate nutrition ⁽²⁾. A systematic review of literature concludes that high protein oral nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of developing and improving pressure ulcers ⁽³⁾. The protein goal for treatment is 1.0-1.5 grams protein per kilogram body weight ⁽⁴⁾.

A recent double blind randomized trial compared standard treatment and standard treatment plus a concentrated, fortified, hydrolyzed collagen protein in patients with pressure ulcers who resided in long term care health facilities. The study participants showed significant improvement over the control group in ulcer healing ⁽⁵⁾.

Provide™ Liquid Protein is collagen protein which has been which hydrolyzed by a proprietary blend of mild enzymes. This makes the protein in Provide™ more digestible and usable by the body. Provide™ Liquid Protein:

• Is for individuals with special protein and calorie needs
• Provides 15 g of protein and 100 calories in a one ounce serving
• Hydrolyzed to maximize absorption
• Contains all essential and nonessential amino acids
• Has a pleasant taste, texture, and color
• Can be served at room temperature, cold, or warm

References

1. Bansal., C, Scott, R, Stewart, D, Cockerell, CJ, Decubitus ulcers: A review of the literature. Internation Journal of Dermatology. 2005; 44:805-810

2. Cannon, BC, Cannon, JP, Management of pressure ulcers. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2004; 61:1895-1905

3. Stratton., RJ., Ek, AC, Engfer M, Morre Z, Rigby P, Wolfer R, Eliz M, Enteral nutritional support in prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2005 Aug; 4(3):422-50

4. Lee, SK, Posthauer, ME, Dorner, B, Redovian, V, Maloney, MJ. Pressure ulcer healing with a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing. 2006; 19(2):92-96.