Over the years it has been a general convention in clinical nutrition to
consider optimal protein intake strictly in terms of the amount needed to optimize muscle mass.
But with that said, chasing such large protein goals as outlined under «Assist in
Reaching Optimal Protein Intake» requires big shots of protein on the reg.
A 2011 paper
on optimal protein intakes for athletes concluded that 1.8 g protein / kg bodyweight (or 0.8 g protein / lb bodyweight) maximizes muscle protein synthesis, whereas another suggested «a diet with 12 - 15 % of its energy as protein.»
For this reason,
optimal protein intake at 0.5 - 0.8 grams per lb of body weight, along with a balanced intake of amino acids from food or supplements, can also be very helpful in supporting your nervous system.
According to the «Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition,»
optimal protein intake for active individuals is 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram, or about 0.64 to 0.91 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day.
There are lots of ways to boost the protein in salads, everyone should be aiming to get 25 — 30 grams of protein per meal adding beans (edamame, garbanzo, and black beans are some of my favorites) and adding a modest amount of nuts with heart - healthy oils like (almonds, walnuts and pistachios are so good) are two ways to
reach optimal protein intake — I also love these Snack Crisps from Eat Enlightened.
For
optimal protein intake (25 — 30 grams per meal) have a couple slices, or pair a slice with an egg scramble.
You'll find ALL the basics here... macronutrients (protein, carbs and fats), Glycemic Index, good carb sources, good fat sources,
optimal protein intake, Will's top 10 bodybuilding foods, vegetarianism vs. meat - eating and how it relates to muscle growth.
Optimal protein intake can be usually accomplished by consuming 20 - 40 grams of protein in each meal or substantial snack.
Protein change theory shows that there is no set «
optimal protein intake» that will fit everyone.
So what does this new research say is
the optimal protein intake?
The optimal protein intake depends on your lean mass (total weight minus body fat) and your activity level.
Specifically, research shows that
the optimal protein intake for maximizing muscle growth is between 0.8 grams and 1.2 grams per pound of body weight per day, with needs varying based on body composition and training intensity, frequency, and experience.
Optimal protein intake and the optimal anabolic response that follows, which is generally considered only in terms of muscle mass, is actually important for virtually any part of the body.
While I do not want to, in any way, minimize these important factors, I do feel that the need for
optimal protein intake has been greatly under - appreciated in terms of gut integrity and optimal gut health.
As I will discuss shortly, one part of the body that is particularly responsive to
optimal protein intake is the gut.