A severe infection can increase protein requirements by A. one-quarter. B. two-thirds. C. one-half. D. one-third.

The correct answer is 1/3 D. Severe physical stress can increase your body’s need for protein. Infections, burns, fevers, and surgery all increase protein losses, and the diet must replace that lost protein. A severe infection can increase protein requirements by one-third. Severe burns can increase requirements two to four times. Less severe physical stressors, such as a viral illness with a mild fever lasting only a few days, rarely increase protein requirements. Muscle-building activities, such as intense weight training, increase protein needs much less than most people think. In fact, the typical U. S. diet supplies an ample amount of protein for most people, even for bodybuilders. Here is what the textbook says