Micronutrients and Natural Compounds Status and Their Effects on Wound Healing in the Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Abstract

© 2017, © The Author(s) 2017. The diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is an invariably common complication of diabetes mellitus, it is also a significant cause of amputation as well as extended hospitalization. As most patients with DFU suffer from malnutrition, which has been related to improper metabolic micronutrients status, alterations can affect impaired wound healing process. Micronutrients and herbal remedies applications present a wide range of health advantages to patients with DFU. The purpose of this review is to provide current evidence on the potential effect of dietary supplementations such as vitamins A, C, D, E, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, boron, and such naturally occurring compounds as Aloe vera, Naringin, and Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Rehmanniae (RR) in the administration of lower extremity wounds, especially in DFU, and to present some insights for applications in the treatment of DFU patients in the future.