Define needs of Vitamins arid Minerals in Postoperative Nutritional Care?
Vitamins are required for wound healing after a surgery. Vitamin C provides the cementing material of connective tissue, capillary walls and for building up of new tissues. Supplements of vitamin C are needed for aiding extensive tissue regeneration. With increase in energy and protein intake, intake of B group vitamins must also be increased as they are the coenzyme factors for energy and protein metabolism. Vitamin K helps in the blood clotting mechanism and is, therefore, essential for preventing blood loss.
Potassium and phosphorus are lost during tissue catabolism. Electrolytes, accompany fluid losses. Overloading of patient with fluids and electrolytes can affect gastric function. Restricting postoperative maintenance fluids to 2000 ml and NaCl to 77 mmol/day has been shown to enhance substantially gastric motility and speed up the recovery. Iron deficiency occurs from blood loss or due to faulty iron absorption. Mineral intake, therefore, should be adequate to replace losses and correct deficiencies.