The cost breakdown of meal production in a healthcare facility can vary based on several factors, including the size of the facility, the number of meals served, dietary requirements, labor cost and staffing needs and and overall regional cost differences. One thing that has not changed is the need to feed. Regardless of factors, facilities need to be able to feed their r...
From the desk of Dr Nancy Collins,PhD, RDN, LD, NWCC, FAND When you are evaluating your patient’s nutritional intake, remember to not only ask about meals but snacks as well. Encouraging snacks throughout the day is a good way to sneak in extra calories and protein particularly for people who may have lost their appetite or feel fatigued. Patients with wounds often have in...
From the desk of Dr Nancy Collins,PhD, RDN, LD, NWCC, FAND Dysphagia, commonly known as a swallowing problem, can lead to significant health issues, such as dehydration, malnutrition, fatigue, aspiration, pneumonia, and a general decline in functional status.¹ These factors often contribute to skin breakdown and prolonged wound healing. Patients with both dysphagia and wou...
In the world of intensive care, the quest for optimal patient outcomes is a constant endeavor. A recent study has turned the spotlight on a factor that may have unintended consequences – excess energy provision. Join us as we explore the complex relationship between nutrition, energy balance, protein provision and its potential impact on the length of stay in the intensive ...
From the desk of Dr. Nancy Collins, PhD, RDN, LD, NWCC, FAND You may have noticed that one of the major ingredients in Expedite™ is the amino acid citrulline. While you probably are familiar with arginine, you might not be as familiar with citrulline. Citrulline is a nonessential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it endogenously. The function of citrulline is to ...
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the pivotal role that gut health plays in our overall well-being. Beyond its influence on digestion, emerging research has shed light on the intricate connection between gut health and various aspects of our physical and mental health. This blog post aims to explore the significance of gut health, particularly focusing ...
From the desk of Dr Nancy Collin, PhD, RDN, LD, NWCC, FAND Patients with wounds must consume an adequate amount of protein each day to build new tissue. If your patient is not consuming a well-balanced diet, chances are he or she is not consuming an adequate amount of dietary protein to meet the body’s physiologic needs. The average healthy adult requires approximately 0.8...
Sarcopenia, from the Greek word meaning "poverty of flesh," is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with aging. It is a component of the frailty syndrome and can be debilitating and even fatal for the elderly, especially in the face of other co-morbidities such as wounds. Age-related muscle atrophy begins in the third decade of life and accele...
Meeting protein requirements in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is crucial for patient recovery, and there are multiple benefits associated with it. These benefits include, but are not limited to, improved wound healing, increased muscle mass and strength, prevention of muscle wasting, enhanced immune function, and overall improved recovery and survival rates. Improved Wound...
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They assist in many different bodily functions but the two are not interchangeable especially when it comes to nutrition declaration. While amino acid contribution will impact nitrogen load, they are not part of the total protein content on a nutrition label. This is important when reviewing products with protein claims and ...
