How Protein Works

If you’re working out regularly, trying to bulk up or trying to gain weight you’ve probably considered your protein intake - or at least been advised that protein can help you meet your goals. Protein is the OG supplement when it comes to muscle building and recovery. This article will explain exactly what protein is, how protein works, how much you need, and how you can increase your daily protein intake.Jump to:

• What is Protein?
• What are the Benefits of Protein & How Does it Work?
• How much Protein do you Need?
• How to Increase Protein Intake

 

What is Protein?

Protein is one of the three macronutrients we get from food, along with carbohydrates and fat. Macronutrients contribute energy in the form of calories - fat contains 9 calories per gram, while carbs and protein each contain 4 calories per gram. 

Protein does more than just provide us with energy though, it also helps repair and grow our body’s tissues, metabolic reactions, and daily functioning of our body’s systems. 

Proteins are chains made up of smaller building blocks called amino acids. The types of amino acids within a specific protein dictate its form and function. Protein is found in both animal and plant foods, though in highest concentration in animal protein sources like meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and milk. You can also get protein in plant-based foods like dried beans and peas, nuts, soy, and seeds. 

 

What are the Benefits of Protein and How Does it Work?

1. Growth and repair of lean muscle tissue

The primary benefit of protein when it comes to performance is the anabolic process of building muscle. Our muscles are always in a state of flux, breaking apart (muscle protein breakdown, or MPB) and rebuilding (or muscle protein synthesis, MPS). The balance between breakdown and synthesis dictates whether muscle tissue will be gained, lost, or balanced. 

Resistance training pushes our muscles to the limit, creating damage in the form of small tears in the muscle tissue. These tears need to be repaired by amino acids (protein building blocks), which help lead to growth of the muscle over time.¹ Getting protein from our diet provides the necessary building blocks for growth and repair.

 

2. Improves body composition 

Body composition is based on the balance between fat mass and lean mass (muscle). Not only is protein key for building lean mass, it’s also essential during periods of weight loss. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you’re eating - which makes your body burn stored energy for fuel. 

Consuming protein to protect your muscles while still in a calorie deficit can help to target fat loss and improve body composition over time.² Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, so another benefit of protein is that higher protein diets can also keep you feeling more satiated to help limit calorie intake if you’re trying to lose weight.

 

3. Supports overall health

Protein has a number of important benefits in the body including the manufacturing of hormones, enzymes, messengers and immune-system components, as well as playing the main structural process of every muscle fibre.³ The amino acids that make up various proteins are therefore critical for the structure and regulation of cells. 

Protein also works to support gastrointestinal health. Protein increases glutamine intake which is shown to develop overall gut function as well as supporting the immune system.⁴ The amino acid cysteine (typically found in high amounts in whey) will also help to promote glutathione level in turn having a positive effect on the immune system.⁵

 

How Much Protein Do You Need? 

Healthy individuals need between 0.8-1.2g of protein per kg body weight per day for maintenance. If your goals are to increase mass and see other benefits, you need between 1.2 - 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight daily to encourage muscle growth.⁶

Women naturally have more fat mass than lean mass and require less protein overall than men. On average, women who are at a healthy weight should aim for 1.2g/kg per day and men should aim for 1.4g/kg per day.⁶

How To Increase Protein Intake 

You can increase your protein intake through your diet using the high protein foods in the list below, or by supplementing (adding to) your diet with protein shakes. 

There are a variety of protein shakes available to help increase your protein intake between meals. 

Whey protein shakes are the most widely available, and range in different levels of concentration/processing from isolate, hydrolysate, and concentrate. There are specific protein powders for those looking to lose weight or those who want to gain, and there are also vegan options like soy or plant based blend proteins. 

Take Home Message

There are many mechanisms and pathways on how protein works in the body, but all of them support health. Protein also works by supporting your muscles before, during, and after a tough workout at the gym. If you want to lose weight or gain mass, protein works to support lean tissue and can help keep you feeling satisfied. Another crucial benefit of protein is how it works to support the immune system and GI health to keep you functioning at your best.