Protein is one of the most important nutrients in everyone's diet. It plays a key role not only in tissue building and regeneration, but also in the proper functioning of many body systems. Whether you are a competitive athlete, a recreational sports enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about their health, protein plays an extremely important role in your diet. What is more, protein is particularly valued among athletes and physically active people, especially those who want to build muscle mass or effectively reduce body fat.
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- The role of protein in human health
- Protein in the diet of athletes
- Protein in strength and bodybuilding sports
- Protein in other sports
- The role of protein in weight loss
- Protein in sports supplementation
- When is the best time to use a protein supplement?
- Protein and safety
- Protein supplements in the diet of seniors – why are they beneficial?
- What do trainers and dieticians say about protein supplements?
- Summary – why is it worth including protein in your diet?
- Ranking of the TOP 3 most popular protein supplements
The role of protein in human health
Protein, also known as proteins, is the basic building block of every cell in the body. It consists of amino acids, which are essential for tissue repair, enzyme production and hormones. The human body is unable to store protein ‘for longer’, which means that we must regularly supply it in adequate amounts through food.
Protein supports cell and tissue regeneration and plays a key role in the functioning of the immune system, transports nutrients, and supports the production of hormones and enzymes that regulate metabolic processes. It is essential for the health of the skin, hair, nails, bones and muscles.
Protein in the diet of athletes
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For athletes, both amateur and professional, adequate protein intake is absolutely crucial. Protein acts as the ‘building blocks’ for muscle growth, which is particularly important in strength and bodybuilding sports. Protein also aids post-workout recovery, which is essential for maintaining high performance and avoiding overtraining.
Protein in strength and bodybuilding sports
In strength and bodybuilding sports, such as bodybuilding, powerlifting and CrossFit, an adequate protein supply is crucial for building muscle mass. After intense strength training, microdamage occurs in the muscles, which must be repaired. Protein is the nutrient that enables muscle regeneration and growth. In these sports, it is most often recommended to consume 1,6 to even 2,3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
Protein in other sports
Although protein is mainly associated with strength sports, its role in other sports, such as running, swimming and cycling, is equally important. Endurance athletes who train intensively also need adequate amounts of protein for recovery and maintenance of muscle mass. During prolonged physical exertion, the body may begin to use protein as an energy source, which further emphasises the need for a regular supply of this nutrient.
The role of protein in weight loss
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Protein plays a key role in the weight loss process. Thanks to its properties, it helps control appetite and prolongs the feeling of satiety after a meal. Protein consumption supports the process of thermogenesis, which means that the body uses more energy to digest and metabolise protein than it does carbohydrates or fats. In addition, protein helps to protect muscle mass during a calorie deficit, which is extremely important for people who want to reduce body fat but at the same time maintain their physique.
A high-protein diet is one of the most effective ways to maintain and increase muscle mass while losing weight. Combined with strength training, an adequate protein intake can contribute to better results in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle.
Protein in sports supplementation
Modern protein supplements, such as protein powders, are a great solution for people who want to get the right amount of protein quickly and conveniently. Protein supplementation is particularly popular among athletes, but it can also be used by people who have difficulty getting enough protein from their diet.
When is the best time to use a protein supplement?
The optimal time to consume a protein supplement depends on your training goals and meal schedule throughout the day, but it is most often recommended to take it immediately after training. At this time, the body is particularly receptive to the amino acids provided, which promotes faster regeneration and stimulates the process of muscle fibre repair.
On non-training days, the supplement can be used as a convenient addition to our meals in situations where it is difficult to obtain the right amount of protein from food. Regular use of a protein supplement helps to maintain a stable protein supply, which is crucial for both those building muscle mass and those on a reduction diet. The most important thing is to ensure that your daily diet contains a sufficiently high amount of protein that is tailored to your goals.
The most popular forms of protein supplements are:
- Whey protein isolate (WPI) – an excellent choice for people on a weight-loss diet and athletes.
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC) – a versatile protein with high biological value.
- Plant protein – ideal for vegans and people with lactose intolerance.
- Casein – the perfect protein for the night, supporting muscle regeneration over a long period of time.
Protein supplements make it easy to control the amount of protein you consume, which is extremely useful, especially for people who do strength training or intense exercise.
Protein and safety
Consuming protein, both from natural sources and in the form of supplements, is safe and beneficial to health, as long as the recommended doses are followed. However, it is important to remember that excessive amounts of protein can put strain on the kidneys, especially in people with pre-existing health problems. Therefore, people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before introducing protein supplementation and should not exceed the amounts recommended by the manufacturer.
Scientific studies show, however, that in healthy individuals who do not have kidney problems, even higher protein intake does not pose a health risk. Regular protein consumption supports bone, muscle, skin and immune system health.
Protein supplements in the diet of seniors – why are they beneficial?
With age, the demand for protein increases because it helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally decreases with the ageing process. Protein supplements are an excellent way to supplement the diet of grandparents with easily digestible protein, especially when their appetite is reduced or their diet is monotonous. It supports muscle regeneration, strengthens bones and improves overall vitality. Whey or plant proteins in the form of shakes are convenient and tasty, and thanks to a variety of flavours, they can be easily tailored to the preferences of seniors, helping them stay healthy and in good shape for longer.
What do trainers and dieticians say about protein supplements?
‘WPC is a great source of complete protein for physically active people. It perfectly supports post-workout recovery and provides essential amino acids. It is easily digestible and offers good value for money, making it the ideal choice for most people who care about their diet.’
Clinical dietitian Anna Zięba
‘WPI is the number one choice for athletes who need the purest protein possible. The isolate has minimal lactose and fat content, making it ideal for people on a weight-loss diet. It is absorbed instantly, which supports a quick return to form after intense training.’
Personal trainer and physiotherapist Tomasz Maciołek
‘WPC is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to provide their body with complete protein. It is a great option for both beginners and advanced athletes who want to support muscle mass building and improve recovery.’
Dietitian and personal trainer Łukasz Domeradzki
‘Vegan protein is the perfect solution for people who avoid animal products. It is ideal for both vegans and those looking for alternative sources of protein. Thanks to its richness in amino acids, it supports regeneration and muscle mass building without compromise.’
Personal trainer Jakub Banach
Summary – why is it worth including protein in your diet?
Protein is a fundamental nutrient, essential for the proper functioning of the body. Whether your goal is to build muscle mass, improve your figure, reduce body fat or simply stay healthy, an adequate supply of protein in your diet is crucial. For athletes, both amateur and professional, protein supplements can be a convenient way to supplement your diet, especially during periods of intense training. Adequate protein intake supports recovery, muscle building, weight loss and overall health.
Thanks to modern protein supplements, available in various flavours and forms, it is easy to provide the body with the necessary amount of protein in any situation. Whether you are an athlete or simply looking after your health, protein is an essential part of your daily diet.
Author: Łukasz Domeracki – MSc in Food Technology and Human Nutrition
Ranking of the TOP 3 most popular protein supplements
Based on popularity and customer reviews on the SFD STORE
![ALLNUTRITION WHEY PROTEIN]()
ALLNUTRITION Whey Protein is a high-quality whey protein concentrate, ideal for physically active people who want to build muscle mass and support post-workout recovery. The product is characterised by excellent solubility and a rich amino acid profile, including BCAAs. Thanks to its rapid absorption, Whey Protein provides the body with the necessary ingredients for muscle repair and growth, while supporting fat reduction. An ideal product for athletes and people who care about a healthy, balanced diet.
![ALLNUTRITION ISOLATE PROTEIN 908 g]()
ALLNUTRITION Isolate Protein is a whey protein isolate with very high purity and rapid absorption. Thanks to its low fat and sugar content, it is ideal for people on a weight-loss diet who want to maintain lean muscle mass. The product contains a full amino acid profile, including BCAAs, which support muscle regeneration and growth. An excellent choice for athletes of all levels who are looking for a fast, high-quality source of protein in their daily diet.
![ALLNUTRITION WHEYROSE]()
ALLDEYNN WHEYROSE is a unique whey protein concentrate created especially for women. Enriched with additives that support digestion, such as enzymes. In addition, WHEYROSE is lactose-free, which is important for women's delicate digestive tract. The product is highly soluble, has a light consistency and delicious flavours. Ideal for women who want to take care of their figure and beauty at the same time by adding a source of high-quality protein to their diet.
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Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698145/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6680711/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-protein-per-day
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