Importance of Protein for Muscle Health

Protein is the only essential macronutrient required by the body, as it cannot be stored like fats and carbohydrates. Protein is crucial for the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue. While the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) suggests a protein intake of around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, this amount is often inadequate. Many studies suggest that increasing protein intake to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight can have substantial benefits, particularly for athletes and those trying to preserve muscle mass while losing weight. Quality of protein, exercise, and individual factors like age should also be considered when determining protein requirements.