Most individuals with diabetes-related foot ulceration do not meet dietary consensus guidelines for wound healing

The inaugural expert consensus and guidance for Nutrition Interventions in Adults with Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) have been welcomed by clinicians internationally. This short report aimed to determine how the macronutrient and micronutrient status of individuals living with DFU compared to the American Limb Preservation Society Nutrition Interventions in Adults with DFU expert consensus and guidance. Descriptive analysis was conducted as a secondary analysis of an existing dataset. Mean (SD) dietary intake, the proportion meeting the nutrition recommendations and the proportion exceeding the upper limit (UL) for specific vitamins and minerals were reported. Most individuals with DFU do not meet current consensus guidelines for optimal dietary intake for wound healing, with inadequacies evident for fibre, zinc, protein, vitamin E and vitamin A. Future iterations of the consensus guideline should consider using evidence-informed recommendations for clinical practice, with the inclusion of all nutrients that are essential for wound healing in DFU.

Automated summary

The inaugural expert consensus and guidance for Nutrition Interventions in Adults with Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) have provided important guidance for clinicians and revealed inadequacies in the dietary intake of individuals with DFU. Future guidelines should consider evidence-based recommendations and include all essential nutrients for wound healing in DFU.