🔥 Why Nutrition Matters in Burn Recovery Burn patients experience: 1. Hypermetabolism Burns increase metabolic rate dramatically as the body fights infection and rebuilds tissue. This means higher: Energy needs Protein requirements Micronutrient demand 2. Muscle Wasting Without proper nutrition, the body breaks down muscle to meet energy needs, slowing wound healing. 3. Increased Risk of Infections Burns expose tissues and compromise immunity. Adequate nutrition strengthens the immune response. 🥗 Key Nutritional Needs for Burn Patients **1. High Energy Intake Burned tissues consume enormous energy. Calories help prevent muscle breakdown and support repair. Recommendations: 25–35 kcal/kg/day for moderate burns Up to 50 kcal/kg/day for severe burns Frequent small meals and snacks Energy-dense foods: nuts, avocados, fortified porridges, healthy oils **2. High Protein Requirements Protein is essential for: Tissue repair Wound healing Immune function Needs: 1.5–2.5 g/kg/day depending on burn severity. Good sources: Eggs, poultry, beans, fish, Greek yogurt, milk, tofu, lean meat. **3. Carbohydrates for Fuel Carbs provide glucose, the primary energy source for healing tissues. Focus on: Whole grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, oats, brown rice. **4. Healthy Fats Needed for energy and to reduce muscle loss. Choose: Olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, salmon, groundnuts. Avoid excessive saturated and trans fats. 🧬 Micronutrients Critical for Healing Several vitamins and minerals are essential “healing boosters”: 🔹 Vitamin C Collagen formation Wound healing Immune support Sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, berries, pawpaw. 🔹 Vitamin A Skin regeneration Immune function Sources: Carrots, liver, spinach, sweet potatoes. 🔹 Zinc Protein synthesis Tissue repair Sources: Meat, beans, seeds, fortified cereals. 🔹 Selenium Antioxidant protection Supports immunity Sources: Fish, eggs, whole grains. 🔹 B Vitamins Help convert food into energy and support cell repair. 💧 Hydration: Often Overlooked, Always Essential Burn patients lose large amounts of fluid through damaged skin. Encourage: Oral rehydration solutions Water Broths and soups Coconut water Limit caffeine and sugary drinks. 🍽️ Sample Meal Ideas for Burn Patients Breakfast: Oat porridge enriched with milk + boiled eggs + orange Lunch: Rice + grilled chicken + sautéed vegetables + fruit juice Snack: Groundnuts, yogurt, banana Dinner: Sweet potatoes + fish stew + leafy greens Bedtime: Milk or nutritious drink (e.g., malt + milk) 🌱 Supplements in Burn Management Depending on severity, diet alone may not meet needs. Common supplements include: High-protein oral nutritional supplements Vitamin C and zinc Multivitamins Omega-3 supplements (for inflammation) These should be prescribed by a clinician or dietitian. 🤒 Special Considerations Severe burns may require tube feeding to meet high calorie and protein needs. Children have even higher demands due to growth. Patients with diabetes need controlled carbohydrate planning. 🩹 Final Thoughts Nutrition is a powerful therapy in burn recovery. When combined with medical care and wound management, a well-planned diet can: Promote faster healing Reduce infection Improve strength and overall recovery Proper nutritional support ensures that the body has everything it needs to rebuild, regenerate, and rise strong again after burn injury.

Disclaimer & Credit: All medical articles including ours, are informative and provide population trends not specific to individuals which can be very different. Always seek personalized medical advice from your doctor for individual healthcare decisions.

Posted November 19, 2025