Nutritional therapy for burns in children and adults.

Burns are a serious injury that requires optimal nutritional support. This review discusses the nutritional care for adults and children with major burns. A burned patient's metabolism is greatly accelerated with increased requirements for energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Early nutrition by parenteral and enteral feedings is vital. Careful assessment of the nutritional state of the burn patient is also important to reduce infection, recovery time, and long-term sequelae.