Do people who exercise need more protein?
Yes and no. You need adequate protein intake to build and repair muscles, but most active Canadians, including vegetarians, get more than enough protein. Although high-protein powders, drinks, tablets, capsules and bars are all the range these days, these supplements will not stimulate muscle growth – only exercise does. Some endurance athletes or serious weight lifters need more protein that the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), but because of their greater food intake they get the extra protein with little trouble. Protein requirements Proteins are constantly being broken down in our bodies. Most of the amino acids (building blocks of proteins) are reused, but we must regularly replace those that are lost. The daily recommended intake for protein is based on age and weight and usually works out to be about 8% of daily calories. Looking at it another way, adults require approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram body weight. For example, a 150-pound person would require (150/2.2
