What nutritional strategy supports recovery after major burns?

• A. High-calorie, high-protein nutrition with early enteral feeding
• B. Low-calorie, high-fat diet
• C. No nutritional support
• D. Calorie restriction to reduce metabolic demand

Answer: (A)

Burn injuries create a hypermetabolic, catabolic state that dramatically increases energy expenditure and protein breakdown to fuel wound healing and immune responses. To support recovery, the body needs plenty of calories to cover the energy debt and ample protein to rebuild tissue and preserve lean mass. Providing high-calorie, high-protein nutrition early after injury, preferably through the enteral route, helps maintain gut integrity, reduces infection risk, and supports immune function. This approach meets both energy and nitrogen needs and keeps the gastrointestinal tract functioning, which is important for overall prognosis. In contrast, insufficient calories or protein, delaying nutrition, or restricting calories impairs healing and worsens outcomes.