In the dietary recommendations for pressure ulcers, which nutrient is emphasized along with protein?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Calcium
• D. Iron

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that wound healing requires both adequate protein and a nutrient that helps build new tissue. Protein provides the amino acids needed to form collagen and other components of the healing tissue. Vitamin C is emphasized alongside protein because it is essential for collagen synthesis, which strengthens skin and blood vessels and supports the formation of new tissue at the wound site. It also assists with wound repair and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells during healing. Without enough vitamin C, collagen formation slows, delaying healing of pressure ulcers even if protein intake is adequate.

Other nutrients have important roles in health, but they aren’t the pair most highlighted with protein for promoting wound healing in pressure ulcers. Vitamin D relates mainly to bone health and immune function, calcium to bone structure and signaling, and iron to oxygen transport; their roles in direct collagen-driven wound repair are less central than vitamin C’s.