What dietary component is essential for wound healing and should be ensured in a hospitalized patient?

• A. Adequate protein intake.
• B. High carbohydrate intake only.
• C. Low protein intake.
• D. Vitamin C supplementation only.

Answer: (A)

Protein provides the amino acids that the body uses to build new tissue, including collagen, skin, and immune components essential for wound repair. During healing, the body’s demand for nitrogen increases, so adequate protein intake helps maintain a positive nitrogen balance and supports faster, more effective wound closure. In hospitalized patients, malnutrition risk is higher and wounds increase protein needs, making ensuring sufficient protein a key factor in promoting recovery and reducing complications. While energy from carbohydrates matters and vitamin C supports collagen formation, those cannot replace the fundamental need for enough protein to supply the building blocks of repair.