Every cell in your body contains protein, a macronutrient that your body needs in large amounts. It helps build and maintain muscle, heal tissue, and support a healthy immune system. Protein is also important for wound healing because it helps patients heal faster and fight infection.

What do patients need protein for?

The best source of nutrients is food. However, oral supplements can provide the nutrients needed for wound healing if the patient is not eating enough healthy food, has a decreased appetite, or is unable to tolerate food during recovery. Oral supplements that contain protein are the first defense against decreased protein levels. They are easier to drink than chewing food and they boost protein intake for patients who have a low tolerance of food.

Most healthy adults can get enough protein from normal food, but a patient with a surgical wound after a major surgery is not considered a “healthy” adult. Their protein needs are much higher to support healing, which includes needing more calories, fluid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. If the body does not get the right nutrients, cells won’t be able to efficiently do their job, resulting in a slower healing process.

Nutrition powders and shakes

At Carmichael’s, we offer one of the largest selections of oral products available in our service area. We carry a wide variety of nutritional supplements in different flavors. Our oral supplements service line is accredited by The Joint Commission, a United States-based organization that evaluates and accredits thousands of U.S. health care organizations and programs. The products we supply include many quality brands and distributors such as Abbott.

Abbott’s Juven® Therapeutic Nutrition Powder is a specially formulated drink mix that provides targeted nutrition for wound healing. Juven is clinically shown to support wound healing by increasing collagen (a type of protein) formation and helping build and maintain lean body mass. It contains several nutrients that are essential to wound healing, including arginine and glutamine, HMB (Beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate), hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin B12, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and zinc.

Use Juven® Therapeutic Nutrition Powder in addition to a nutrient-rich diet that includes dairy, fruits, lean meats, and vegetables. Juven can be mixed with 8–10 fl. oz. of water or other foods and beverages. Juven is available at Carmichael’s locations in Fruit Punch, Orange, and Unflavored varieties. Talk to your doctor about whether Juven would be appropriate for your surgery recovery nutrition plan.

Carmichael’s locations also carry Abbott’s Ensure® Shake brand, a line of nutrition shakes. People who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition or experiencing involuntary weight loss can benefit from the nutritional drinks. They come in a variety of flavors such as butter pecan, milk chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

Ensure® Original nutrition shakes provide 9g of high-quality protein, vitamins A and D, zinc, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E to support immune health. They are gluten-free and suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. Use it as a small meal replacement, with a meal, or as a snack to help maintain proper nutrition.

HI-CAL^® is a high-calorie oral supplement fortified with vitamins and minerals. It is available in vanilla flavor for oral use only and under medical supervision. It provides at least 20% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for 18 essential vitamins and minerals in 8 fl. oz. HI-CAL is also used for Medication Pass Nutritional Supplement (Med-Pass) Programs. The drink is gluten free, ready to serve and suitable for lactose intolerance.

JEVITY^® is a nutritional formula that provides supplemental nutrition for adults who are on short-term or long-term tube-feeding regimens. It may also be their sole source of nutrition. Jevity formulas help patients meet their daily fiber and protein needs.

 

 

Ensuring adequate caloric and protein intake increases a patient’s ability to fight infection, decreases hospitalization and speeds healing and recovery times. At Carmichael’s, we have experienced, licensed pharmacists and technicians on staff working closely with the primary caregiver to provide the patient with proper nutritional intake. Our reputable customer service also makes it easier for patients to obtain the nutritional supplements they need. Carmichael’s representatives are available during our normal hours of operation. Contact one of our locations for additional information, to check your insurance coverage and more.