Perioperative micronutrients, macroscopic benefits?

'Micronutrients' are vitamins and minerals vital for healthy metabolic function, wound healing and disease and infection prevention. Micronutrients may play a role in significantly improving postoperative recovery and indices of patient comfort; however, minimal research exists for surgical patients. Furthermore, current guidelines on perioperative nutrition have a macronutrient focus which may fail to guide detection and treatment of the subclinical micronutrient deficiency in a patient who is not obviously malnourished. Limited research into supplementation of some micronutrient deficiencies shows favourable results; however, given the financial implications of wound care, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency and possible benefits from attention to micronutrition for postoperative recovery, further research into this area is urgently warranted. Interventions to guide optimal future clinical practice are suggested.

Automated summary

Micronutrients are essential for healthy metabolic function, wound healing, and prevention of diseases and infections. However, there is limited research on micronutrient supplementation in surgical patients. Current guidelines mainly focus on macronutrients and may not address subclinical micronutrient deficiencies. Further research is urgently needed to explore the potential benefits of micronutrition for postoperative recovery and to guide optimal clinical practice.