“Protein plays a crucial role in the body’s recovery processes,” says Dr. Andy Holwerda, Senior Scientist at Danone Research & Innovation. When consumed, protein breaks down into amino acids that serve as building blocks for our muscles, repairing damage and stimulating growth.
Key benefits of protein intake include:
- Repair and growth: After exercise, our muscles require the amino acids from protein to initiate recovery and growth processes. These amino acids not only stimulate muscle remodeling, but act as building blocks for new muscle tissue.
- Enhancing performance: Adequate protein intake is important particularly for athletes aiming to enhance their performance and gain muscle mass. It aids muscle tissue recovery and helps us adapt to the increased demands of exercise, allowing for improved performance over time.
- Maintaining muscle health: Protein consumption helps us stay healthy throughout our lives, preventing muscle loss and frailty, especially in the elderly and patients.
In this video edition of ‘Protein Talks’, Andy explains: “To ensure the body is supplied with enough amino acids, most people should consume 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Athletes, the elderly, and patients may require more. Adequate high-quality protein intake after exercise is key to optimizing recovery and promoting long-term muscle health.”
At Danone Research & Innovation, we are committed to advancing our understanding of protein’s impact on health through rigorous research. We aim to develop nutritional solutions that cater to diverse needs, enhancing overall health and well-being.
Want to know more about our research on muscle, performance and recovery? Check-out: Understanding the essential role of protein quantity and quality for optimal performance | Danone Research & Innovation & Exclusive Insights: Protein Science and Sports Nutrition | Danone Research & Innovation