What is a primary nutritional requirement to support tissue healing after athletic injury?

• A. Adequate protein for collagen synthesis and sufficient calories
• B. Low carbohydrate intake with high fat for energy
• C. Vitamin K as the sole micronutrient needed
• D. Hydration is the only requirement for healing

Answer: (A)

Tissue healing after athletic injury relies on providing both the building blocks for repair and enough energy to drive the process. Adequate protein supplies the amino acids needed for collagen synthesis and the formation of new tissue, which is essential for restoring strength and continuity in injured structures. At the same time, sufficient overall calories support the metabolic workload of healing, helping to spare protein from being burned for energy and allowing it to be used for tissue repair rather than energy production. Without enough protein or calories, healing slows, immune function can falter, and recovery takes longer.

Relying on a low carbohydrate, high fat approach may not deliver the rapid, readily available energy needed during the acute healing phase. Vitamin K alone does not address the full spectrum of nutrients required for collagen formation and overall repair. Hydration is important for physiological processes, but it is not by itself enough to support tissue synthesis and recovery.