Underfeeding is associated with which of the following conditions?

• A. Poor wound healing
• B. Hepatic steatosis
• C. Azotemia
• D. Hypertriglyceridemia

Answer: (A)

Having enough calories and protein is essential for tissue repair. Wound healing relies on providing amino acids for collagen synthesis, immune cell function, and new tissue formation, plus sufficient energy to fuel cell proliferation and inflammatory responses. When intake is insufficient, a negative nitrogen balance develops, collagen production slows, immune defenses weaken, and the wound heals more slowly.

Hepatic steatosis, on the other hand, is more commonly linked to overfeeding, especially excess carbohydrates or lipids in total nutrition. Azotemia refers to elevated nitrogen in the blood that often stems from kidney dysfunction or severe catabolic states with high protein breakdown, not simply from underfeeding. Hypertriglyceridemia is typically a consequence of excessive lipid administration or metabolic disturbances rather than inadequate intake.

So, underfeeding is most closely associated with poor wound healing because healing depends on providing enough energy and amino acids to support tissue repair and immune activity.