Keywords

glutathione peroxidase, pressure ulcers, vitamin C, selenium, zinc

 

Authors

  1. Vega, Alma BSc, RD

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are a prevalent condition in health care settings. Many factors predispose and exacerbate chronic ulceration including age, uncontrolled diabetes, vascular disease, malnutrition, trauma, and immunosuppression drugs. Vitamin C and some trace elements such as selenium and zinc are used with the belief that they will accelerate the process of wound healing. The available primary research is inconsistent and the controversy persists. This article presents a review of some of the clinical evidence for zinc, selenium, and vitamin C.