What is a reasonable daily protein intake to support wound healing in a hospitalized adult?

• A. 0.8 g/kg/day
• B. 2.0 g/kg/day
• C. 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day
• D. 0.5 g/kg/day

Answer: (C)

Healing a wound requires more protein because amino acids are used for collagen formation, new tissue growth, and immune defense. In hospitalized adults, the body's needs rise due to inflammation, stress, and loss from the wound, so the daily protein supply must be higher than maintenance.

Providing about 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight each day gives enough amino acids for repair and immune function without going to extremes. This range supports tissue rebuilding and healing processes, while staying reasonable for typical hospital patients with normal kidney function.

Lower amounts, such as 0.8 g/kg/day, meet only basic maintenance and won’t adequately support wound healing. Very high intakes, like 2.0 g/kg/day, may be considered in cases of severe catabolic stress (for example, extensive burns) but aren’t usually necessary for a standard hospitalized patient with a wound.