A hospital protocol must be created for post-surgical patients to optimize protein intake for healing. Which strategy synthesizes current knowledge most appropriately?

• A. Recommend complete fasting for 24–48 hours post-surgery to reduce metabolic demand, then resume a nominal low-protein diet to avoid overtaxing the kidneys
• B. Rely exclusively on intravenous lipids for repair since fats are the only macronutrients able to support collagen cross-linking and immune cell proliferation
• C. Provide increased protein intake (e.g., 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day depending on severity), ensure distribution across meals and immediate post-operative protein-rich feeding when possible, and include adequate energy and micronutrients (vitamin C, zinc) to support collagen synthesis and immune responses
• D. Limit protein strictly to prevent scar formation because lower protein intake reduces collagen deposition and thereby improves cosmetic outcomes

Answer: (C)