Why is adequate dietary protein particularly important during periods of rapid growth and after tissue injury?

• A. Because protein intake directly raises blood glucose levels much faster than carbohydrates, making more energy available for repair processes
• B. Because amino acids from protein are the required building blocks for synthesizing new structural and functional proteins needed for growth and tissue repair
• C. Because dietary protein is converted into calcium and phosphate that are then deposited in bones to speed recovery
• D. Because increasing protein intake reduces the need for vitamins and minerals and therefore simplifies nutritional requirements during recovery

Answer: (B)