What is the primary role of nutrition in burn care?

The primary role of nutrition in burn care is to support healing and prevent malnutrition. Burns lead to a hypermetabolic state in the body, which significantly increases the nutritional requirements. Adequate caloric intake is essential in a burn patient to promote tissue repair, replenish energy stores, and support overall recovery.

Additionally, proper nutrition ensures that the body has sufficient protein to rebuild damaged tissues and support immune function. Without appropriate nutritional support, patients may experience delayed healing, increased risk of complications, and further deterioration of their health status. In essence, a carefully managed nutritional plan is critical in promoting recovery and improving outcomes for patients with burns.