CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Plast Surg 2014; 47(02): 236-241
DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.138959
Original Article
Association of Plastic Surgeons of India

Comparison of the nutritional status and outcome in thermal burn patients receiving vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets

Samira Sharma
Department of Plastic Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India
,
Ramesh K. Sharma
Department of Plastic Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India
,
Atul Parashar
Department of Plastic Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 August 2019 (online)

ABSTRACT

Background: The importance of adequate nutritional support in burned patients cannot be overemphasised. For adequate long-term compliance by the patients, diet should be formulated in accordance with their pre-burn dietary habits, religious beliefs, and tastes. Patients and Methods: A study was conducted in 42 consecutive patients suffering from 10% to 50% of 2nd and 3rd degree thermal burns with the aim to compare nutritional status, clinical outcome, and cost-effectiveness of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. The patients were divided into two groups depending upon their pre-injury food habits. Total calories were calculated by Curreri formula. Both groups were compared by various biochemical parameters, microbiological investigations, weight , status of wound healing, graft take, and hospital stay and they were followed for at least 60 days postburn. Results: The results were comparable in both groups. Vegetarian diet was found to be more palatable and cost-effective. Conclusion: Vegetarian diet is a safe and viable option for the patients suffering from burn injury. The common belief that non-vegetarian diet is superior to vegetarian diet is a myth.

 
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