Burns and Nutrition: The Interrelationship of Nutrition and Physical Therapy for Enhancing Burn Healing-An Updated Review

Abstract

Background: Burns result in significant physical harm and trigger metabolic disturbances, such as hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism, which exacerbate the healing process and increase vulnerability to infections. These conditions make burn patients particularly reliant on effective nutritional support to foster recovery and reduce complications. However, providing adequate nutrition in both peacetime and austere settings remains challenging due to limited resources and logistical constraints.

Aim: This review aims to examine the metabolic effects of burn injuries and discuss the essential components of nutritional support, including macronutrient and micronutrient requirements, to enhance healing. It also addresses strategies for nutritional assessment and intervention in both resource-rich and austere environments. In the same time, the main role of physical therapy as an aid in burn therapy using low power laser intensity.

Methods: The review synthesizes existing literature on burn-induced metabolic changes and nutritional support strategies. It includes a discussion on assessment methods, the role of macronutrients and micronutrients, and the impact of various nutrition regimens on burn healing outcomes. The recommendations are based on evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and clinical guidelines.

Results: Nutritional support plays a pivotal role in promoting wound healing, preventing infections, and maintaining lean body mass in burn patients. Key dietary recommendations include protein intake of 1.5–2 g/kg/day, a high-carbohydrate diet (60–65% of total energy), and the strategic use of micronutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. The Milner equation for calculating energy requirements in patients with burns covering ≥20% total body surface area (TBSA) proved effective in guiding nutritional interventions.

Conclusion: Effective nutritional intervention is essential for optimizing burn recovery. Tailored nutrient strategies, including adequate caloric intake, protein, and specific micronutrients, significantly enhance healing outcomes. Both in resource-rich and austere environments, the integration of precise nutritional assessment and targeted interventions is crucial for improving burn care management.