Micronutrient therapy
| Improves antioxidative protection | |
| Orthomolecular therapy support for diabetes mellitus is primarily aimed at preventing oxidative tissue damage. It is now considered certain that oxidative stress in the affected tissue plays a significant role in the development of microangiopathic changes that also lead to the development of the diabetic foot. Alpha-lipoic acid intervenes in these processes and can prevent the development of complications or improve the existing symptoms. Grape seed extract is also suitable as an effective antioxidant for the prevention of diabetic foot. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) also play an essential role in wound healing and are directly involved in the formation of collagen tissue, as they promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and thus the formation of the collagen matrix. In addition, carotenoids and the polyphenols and catechins (EGCG) of green tea are suitable for maintaining the skin properties and skin functions. They are essential antioxidants for the epidermis and the underlying tissue structures. |
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| Wound management with enzymes | |
| Oral proteolytic enzyme supplements are used in acute and chronic wounds as a dietetic-therapeutic measure to promote wound healing processes. The natural biocatalysts are used for enzymatic wound cleansing, but do not attack the intact epithelial, granulation and muscle tissue. | |
| Supports healing process | |
| During wound healing, the formation and storage of collagen at the injured site is necessary. Here iron and zinc as cofactors are essential. Zinc is a component of matrix metalloproteinases which enables the formation of new tissue and wound closure. Vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen synthesis. It is involved in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, which are characteristic components of connective tissue and essential for its structural stability. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Patients with wound healing disorders, decubitus, leg ulcer, burns and after surgery benefit from a vitamin C supplement. Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A, which plays a role in the synthesis and functionality of the skin layers and cell renewal. Coenzyme A acts as an energy source and stimulates metabolic processes necessary for cell division, cell maturation and the synthesis of dermal lipids. Pantothenic acid is essential for rapid wound healing and efficient healing processes. Itstimulates the formation of collagen-synthesizing fibroblasts and the production of hexosamine-containing acidic mucopolysaccharides, which are important for the stability of granulation tissue. L-arginine is a component of wound healing as it also forms the precursor of polyamines, which are essential for cell division and protein synthesis and therefore have a protein anabolic effect. Clinical studies have shown that the therapeutic use of arginine can promote wound healing processes and shorten the healing phase. |
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| Minimize inflammatory processes | |
| Inflammatory processes are supported by inflammation-promoting and immunosuppressive mediators. The omega-3 fatty acid EPA can inhibit the development of these highly inflammatory tissue hormones and modulate their effect by forming favorable eicosanoids. |