Associations between Nutrients and Foot Ulceration in Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

We reviewed the literature to evaluate potential associations between vitamins, nutrients, nutritional status or nutritional interventions and presence or healing of foot ulceration in diabetes. Embase, Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published prior to September 2020. We assessed eligible studies for the association between nutritional status or interventions and foot ulcers. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Overall, there is a correlation between poor nutritional status and the presence of foot ulceration or a delay in healing. However, there is not enough data to reach conclusions about whether the relationships are causal or only association. Further research is required to test whether any forms of nutritional supplementation improve foot ulcer healing.