Which nutritional factor is most critical to support healing of a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer in an older adult?

• A. Increased protein intake to support tissue repair and healing
• B. High saturated fat intake
• C. Reduced fluids to limit edema
• D. Low carbohydrate intake

Answer: (A)

Protein availability directly fuels wound healing because building new tissue, including skin and collagen, requires ample amino acids. In older adults, healing tends to be slower and muscle stores are reduced, so meeting higher protein needs helps maintain nitrogen balance and supports tissue repair and immune defense. For a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer, providing extra protein gives the body the raw materials it needs to form new tissue, fight infection, and reestablish the barrier over the wound.

Other options don’t address the repair building blocks as effectively. Excess saturated fat doesn’t promote tissue repair and can worsen vascular health; restricting fluids can risk dehydration and poor skin perfusion; and very low carbohydrate intake reduces energy availability for healing without directly solving the protein deficit.