What is the general protein requirement for endurance athletes?

For endurance athletes, protein requirements are generally higher than the baseline recommendations for sedentary individuals, who are advised to consume about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Endurance athletes, who engage in sustained physical activity and require optimal recovery and muscle repair, typically benefit from increased protein intake.

The range of 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is supported by various sports nutrition guidelines, reflecting the needs of athletes involved in prolonged endurance training. This protein intake assists in muscle repair, synthesis, and recovery, which are crucial for performance and overall health in endurance sports. The need for this elevated protein intake is particularly evident during intense training periods, where muscle demand is heightened, and the risk of muscle breakdown increases.

Thus, the selection of 1.2 to 1.4 g/kg/day as a recommended protein intake for endurance athletes aligns well with the current understanding of dietary needs in the context of optimizing athletic performance and recovery.