“Wound healing is not just skin deep,” Abbott expert flags role of targeted nutrition

24 Jul 2020 --- The vital role that nutrition plays in supporting wound healing is often overlooked, according to Dr. Jeffrey Nelson, a senior research scientist and wound expert with Abbott Laboratories, a US-based medical device and health care company headquartered in Illinois. Juven, a therapeutic nutrition beverage from Abbott, is now being rolled out in CVS stores. The drink provides targeted nutrition therapy to support wound healing in people without adequate nutrition, such as diabetic foot ulcers, surgical incisions and burns.

“Juven has been available for more than 15 years in the US market,” Dr. Nelson tells NutritionInsight. “Today, the product offers nutrition therapy to support acute and chronic wounds.”

“Wound healing is not just skin deep. It’s a complex process with multiple stages – and it varies depending on the type and severity of the wound, as well as a person’s age and health status. Juven provides nutritional support for chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers or pressure injuries, as well as acute wounds, such as incisions from a surgery or injury,” he continues.

Proper nutrition is a crucial part of the healing process, but sometimes a balanced diet is not enough. The therapeutic beverage has a blend of key amino acids, protein, Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) and vitamins and minerals. It has been clinically shown to support wound healing by enhancing collagen formation in as little as two weeks. Collagen formation is critical in the wound healing process.  

Juven includes the following key nutrients:

• Arginine: An amino acid that promotes blood flow and is a building block for proteins that can contribute to wound healing.

• Glutamine: An amino acid that helps cells produce the building blocks needed for new tissue.

• HMB: Helps to protect muscle cells and preserve and maintain muscle tissue.

• Hydrolyzed collagen protein: Helps stimulate internal collagen formulation.

• Zinc and vitamins C, E, B12: Essential in the wound healing process.

“While other wound care products exist, what makes Juven stand out is its clinical backing,” Dr. Nelson notes. 

The role that nutrition plays in supporting wound healing can sometimes be overlooked, he affirms. “Every year, more than six million people in the US are affected by chronic wounds such as pressure injuries and foot ulcers. Unlike acute wounds from a surgical incision or an injury, chronic wounds often stem from conditions like immobility or diabetes and don’t necessarily show signs of healing within 30 days. If these wounds don’t heal properly, they can lead to serious complications,” stresses Dr. Nelson. 

The role that nutrition plays in supporting wound healing can sometimes be overlooked, says Abbott.For people without adequate nutrition – especially those with other medical conditions – the wound healing process can be challenging. 

“That’s why it’s so important to drive awareness for nutrition therapy,” he adds. 

“Juven is especially helpful for people who need additional nutrition to support wound healing from the inside out. And it’s easy to use,” he details. “Abbott has formulated Juven as a powder that can be mixed with eight to 10 oz of water, juice or other liquid and enjoyed twice a day,” Dr. Nelson details. 

In addition to its CVS launch, the product is available at various other US retailers. “Internationally, the product is sold as Abound in a slightly different formulation,” concludes Dr. Nelson. 

Juven is available in Fruit Punch, Orange and unflavored options, and should be used under medical supervision, the company states. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green, with additional reporting from Katherine Durrell