Growth and repair of tissues is primarily the function of which nutrient?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Protein
• C. Fat
• D. Vitamins

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is that proteins provide the building blocks the body uses to grow and repair tissues. Dietary protein supplies amino acids, which are assembled into the structural and functional proteins that make up our tissues—collagen in connective tissue, muscle fibers, skin, hair, and nails. These amino acids are also needed to make enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, all of which support tissue repair and growth. While carbohydrates and fats mainly supply energy to fuel these processes, they don’t supply the essential building blocks for tissue construction. Vitamins help metabolism and the synthesis of some proteins, but the actual growth and repair of tissues relies on having enough dietary protein to provide the amino acids needed for new tissue formation.