Which statement BEST explains the need for increased protein intake for athletes?

Which statement BEST explains the need for increased protein intake for athletes?

• A. Decreased protein oxidation during aerobic exercise
• B. Increased need for tissue repair
• C. Restriction of calories to lose weight
• D. Quality of protein consumed

Answer: (B)

Increased protein intake for athletes is driven by the need to repair and rebuild tissue after training. Exercise, especially resistance work, creates tiny tears in muscle fibers and stimulates processes that remix and strengthen muscle protein. To support this repair and adaptation, the body requires more amino acids from dietary protein, raising the overall protein needs. So, the statement that best explains the need is that there is an increased requirement for tissue repair. The other ideas aren’t as central: protein losses or oxidation during aerobic work aren’t the primary driver of higher protein intake; calorie restriction focuses on energy deficit rather than the repair and growth processes; and while protein quality matters for supplying essential amino acids, it doesn’t by itself justify needing more total protein.

Increased protein intake for athletes is driven by the need to repair and rebuild tissue after training. Exercise, especially resistance work, creates tiny tears in muscle fibers and stimulates processes that remix and strengthen muscle protein. To support this repair and adaptation, the body requires more amino acids from dietary protein, raising the overall protein needs.

So, the statement that best explains the need is that there is an increased requirement for tissue repair. The other ideas aren’t as central: protein losses or oxidation during aerobic work aren’t the primary driver of higher protein intake; calorie restriction focuses on energy deficit rather than the repair and growth processes; and while protein quality matters for supplying essential amino acids, it doesn’t by itself justify needing more total protein.