Why Do Men Require More Protein?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Men, who have

more muscle mass

, a higher caloric intake and larger bodies than women, need more protein each day. According to the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, a young, active man needs 3,000 calories per day to maintain his current weight, but an older, sedentary man only needs 2,000 calories.

Why do males need more protein than females?

Muscle hypertrophy results from positive net muscle protein balance, thus, adult males must have

greater net muscle protein synthesis

than females, at least at some point in development.

Why do men need a lot of protein?

Protein is the building block of your muscles. Therefore, eating adequate amounts of protein helps you

maintain your muscle mass

and promotes muscle growth when you do strength training. Numerous studies show that eating plenty of protein can help increase muscle mass and strength ( 8 , 9 ).

Does a man need more protein than a woman?

True or false: Men need more protein than women.

Generally

, this is true; however, according to Patrick Dunham, clinical training manager at Carilion Wellness in Roanoke, both weight and activity level play a more important role in protein requirements.

Why do adult men need protein?

During these stressful periods, aging bodies process protein less efficiently and need more of it to

maintain muscle mass and strength

, bone health and other essential physiological functions. Even healthy seniors need more protein than when they were younger to help preserve muscle mass, experts suggest.

Do females eat healthier than males?

Diet. In most cases,

women eat a healthier diet than men

. In a Massachusetts survey, for example, women were about 50% more likely than men to meet the goal of eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The masculine ideal of meat and potatoes should give way to vegetables, fruits, grains, and fish.

What is the recommended amount of protein for males?

According to the Dietary Reference Intake report for macronutrients, a sedentary adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. That means that the average sedentary man should eat

about 56 grams of protein per day

, and the average woman should eat about 46 grams.

What does protein do for the male body?

Protein is important. In fact, it’s vital for building the body you want. Protein

helps decrease hunger, builds and maintains muscle

, fortifies your bones, improves brain function, aids your immune system, and can even pick up the kids from soccer practice if you’re strapped for time.

What are the disadvantages of protein?

  • Weight gain. High-protein diets may tout weight loss, but this type of weight loss may only be short-term. …
  • Bad breath. …
  • Constipation. …
  • Diarrhea. …
  • Dehydration. …
  • Kidney damage. …
  • Increased cancer risk.
  • Heart disease.

What do protein shakes do for males?

Muscle growth

The research suggests that protein supplements significantly

improve muscle size and strength

in healthy adults who perform resistance exercise training, such as lifting weights. Protein supplementation was equally effective in men and women.

What nutrients does a man need daily?

  • Protein. Why men need it: During weight loss, your body burns both fat and muscle. …
  • Fiber. …
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids. …
  • Potassium. …
  • Magnesium. …
  • Vitamin D. …
  • Selenium. …
  • 5 Steps for Cooking the Perfect Flex Meal.

Why does a man need more calories than a woman?

Because men generally have

an overall larger body (both height and weight) and greater muscle mass than women

, they also have increased caloric needs compared to women.

What is the nutritional requirements for adults?

Daily reference intakes for adults are:

Energy: 8,400kJ/2,000kcal

.

Total fat: less than 70g

.

Saturates: less than 20g

.

How much protein should I eat a day for muscle gain?

To increase muscle mass in combination with physical activity, it is recommended that a person that lifts weights regularly or is training for a running or cycling event eat a range of

1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day

, or 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight.

What are the symptoms of too much protein?

  • intestinal discomfort and indigestion.
  • dehydration.
  • unexplained exhaustion.
  • nausea.
  • irritability.
  • headache.
  • diarrhea.

What happens if you eat too much protein?

Eating too much protein can

worsen kidney problems

, and over time can cause symptoms like bad breath, indigestion and dehydration. Certain sources of protein like meat, dairy, and processed foods can increase the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.