This review critically summarises the available literature on the role of zinc in wounds and explores whether evidence exists to support the beneficial effects of oral zinc supplementation in wound healing. The function of zinc in the normal wound-healing process is acknowledged as being evident throughout the inflammatory and proliferative stages. However, the evidence regarding oral zinc supplementation is generally inconclusive. Findings suggest that further research could demonstrate a place for supplementation in zinc-deficient patients, but more rigorous patient-centred trials are necessary to support a significant change in clinical practice.
