What range of protein intake is recommended for strength- and power-focused athletes?

The recommended range of protein intake for strength- and power-focused athletes is 1.6 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. This recommendation is based on the needs of athletes who engage in intense training that promotes muscle repair, growth, and adaptation.

In this context, protein plays a critical role in muscle protein synthesis and overall recovery. The increase in protein intake within this range helps support the demands placed on the body during rigorous training and competition, allowing athletes to build and maintain muscle mass while optimizing performance.

Consuming protein within this range ensures that the body has sufficient amino acids available to repair tissue and stimulate muscle growth, which are essential components of a training regimen that focuses on strength and power. This range also considers the need to provide enough energy to support the metabolic processes involved in intense physical activity, without excessive intake that could lead to other health concerns.

Higher recommendations, such as those found in the other options, may not be necessary for most power-focused athletes, and could lead to excess caloric intake, placing added stress on the body through digestion and potentially impacting overall performance negatively. Therefore, the range of 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg/day is appropriate for meeting the physiological demands