Which statement accurately reflects nutrition essential for wound healing and protein intake?

Which statement accurately reflects nutrition essential for wound healing and protein intake?

• A. Low protein intake is sufficient for wound healing.
• B. Adequate protein (1.0-1.5 g/kg/day), plus calories, vitamin C, zinc, adequate hydration, and normal albumin.
• C. Only vitamin C intake is needed.
• D. High fat intake alone supports healing.

Answer: (B)

Protein provides the amino acids needed to build new tissue and collagen, which are essential for wound repair. Along with protein, adequate calories prevent the body from using protein for energy, preserving it for healing. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor in collagen synthesis and supports immune function and antioxidant protection, while zinc plays a key role in wound healing processes like cell proliferation and collagen formation. Proper hydration supports tissue perfusion and cellular functions, and maintaining normal albumin levels reflects sufficient protein status and helps maintain oncotic pressure and healing capacity. Because of all these factors, a plan that emphasizes adequate protein intake (about 1.0–1.5 g/kg/day) coupled with sufficient calories, vitamin C, zinc, good hydration, and normal albumin provides the most effective nutritional support for wound healing. Low protein, relying on a single nutrient like vitamin C, or focusing on fat without addressing protein and micronutrients all fail to meet the metabolic needs of healing.

Protein provides the amino acids needed to build new tissue and collagen, which are essential for wound repair. Along with protein, adequate calories prevent the body from using protein for energy, preserving it for healing. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor in collagen synthesis and supports immune function and antioxidant protection, while zinc plays a key role in wound healing processes like cell proliferation and collagen formation. Proper hydration supports tissue perfusion and cellular functions, and maintaining normal albumin levels reflects sufficient protein status and helps maintain oncotic pressure and healing capacity. Because of all these factors, a plan that emphasizes adequate protein intake (about 1.0–1.5 g/kg/day) coupled with sufficient calories, vitamin C, zinc, good hydration, and normal albumin provides the most effective nutritional support for wound healing. Low protein, relying on a single nutrient like vitamin C, or focusing on fat without addressing protein and micronutrients all fail to meet the metabolic needs of healing.