Using Mixed Amino Acids to Aid Healing of Chronic Wounds—A Case Study

Supplementation with select nutrients facilitate wound healing, thereby supporting the association between nutrition and wound healing. In recent years, studies have assessed the relationship of amino acid supplements and basic nutrition with wound healing. The present study is a case report on about a 35-year-old woman whose wound measured 0.7 × 1 cm2 after laparoscopic surgery but did not heal for more than 5 weeks after surgery and drainage tube removal. Nutritional care comprising the required calories and a high-protein diet was initiated. The average actual daily calorie intake was 1,556 kcal (88% of the required amount), and the average daily protein intake was 91 g (126% of the required amount). After 11 days on a diet containing mixed amino acids (arginine, glutamine, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate), the wound size reduced from 0.7 × 1 cm2 to 0.3 × 0.5 cm2. The case findings suggest that the provision of sufficient calories and protein nutrition, supplemented with mixed amino acids containing arginine, glutamine, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate can contribute to the healing of chronic wounds.