Protein for bodybuilding: are men and women's needs different?

In the world of sports, protein is at the heart of all conversations about muscle gain, weight loss, or athletic performance. But what are the protein requirements for men, women, athletes, sedentary individuals, and the elderly? It's not just a matter of whey, powder, or post-workout shakes, but rather a questionof goals, body weight, level of physical activity, and, above all, the distribution of protein intake throughout the day

Between plant and animal proteins, dairy products, casein, and weight gainers, each type of protein has its own specificabsorption characteristics, nutritional qualities, and effectiveness in muscle growth. This article explains their role in muscle protein synthesis, tissue repair, muscle recovery, and lean mass development.
Let's also look at the current recommendations in grams per kilogram of body weight, the differences between women and men, and how to adapt your diet and protein intake to your individual profile. 

Why are proteins essential for building muscle? 

What are proteins used for?

It is one of the three families of macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and lipids. A protein is an assembly of some twenty amino acids, which are like little bricks linked together.

On the one hand, they are involved in the structure of the body, and on the other, in its physiology.

On the structural side, proteins play a role in performance. They are the building blocks of muscle and an essential source of energy, hence their importance in physical effort. In addition to muscle cells, proteins also serve to regenerate our skin and bones.
Physiologically, proteins serve as digestive enzymes, hormones, haemoglobins and antibodies. 

The role of proteins in muscle building

Muscle proteins have the day-to-day task of rebuilding muscle after microlessions of muscle fibers resulting from physiological stress (not to be confused with physical stress) linked to physical activity.

This is why most athletes focus on protein when building mass, but it is no more important than carbohydrates or lipids. Indeed, if the body doesn't have enough glycogen (carbohydrates) or fatty acid (lipids) reserves, it breaks down proteins into amino acids to produce the energy it needs, and then muscle wasting ensues. 

The impact of training on protein requirements

Training affects basal metabolism and protein metabolism. That is why nutritional needs change with exercise.

Physical activity, whether strength or endurance training, disrupts the natural and simultaneous processes of protein synthesis and breakdown. Proteolysis (protein breakdown) begins with exercise and continues to increase after exercise has stopped, only decreasing 2 to 3 hours after exercise. Protein synthesis, on the other hand, increases at the end of exercise depending on its intensity.

Protein requirementsvary depending on the type of activity (endurance or strength sports) and, in all cases, the higherthe intensity of the exercise. 

Metabolic differences between men and women 

At the hormonal level, there is a metabolic difference between men and women in terms of sex hormones. While male athletes' testosterone levels remain constant, women's hormones (mainly estrogen) vary constantly through their menstrual ^cycle1. In sports, testosterone promotes muscle hypertrophy and strength development, hence the difference.

However, muscle development is not limited by gender, since the rate of protein synthesis renewal remains constant between young men and women. Only age can play a role, as the rate is reduced in older ^women2.

Women and men also have different body compositions, with a lean mass/fat mass ratio that is more advantageous, from a sporting point of view, for men. The difference is slight, so there's no need to adapt protein requirements according to gender.

Finally, we also know that natural creatine reserves are 70% to 80% lower in women than in men, which potentially justifies (depending on profiles and practices) creatine supplementation for sportswomen3 ,^even if it remains just as interesting for men.

Protein requirements: differences between men and women

A calculation specific to each athlete's weight

Recommended proteins are expressed in kilograms of body weight. The recommendations are the same for men and women and depend on their discipline and training level.

However, the proportion of protein to be ingested daily after calculation will be different, since it depends on body weight. For example, if the recommendations for mass gain are 1.6 to 2 g/kg/day: 

• for a woman weighing 65 kilos, this gives 1.6*65 = 104 g to 130 g of protein per day;
• for a man weighing 75 kilos, this gives 1.6*75 = 120 g to 150 g per day.

Official recommendations by type of sport 

Requirements depend on each individual's weight and the balance between protein loss and protein intake. The challenge is to adapt protein requirements to cover losses and find a nutritional balance. 

As a general rule, sportsmen and women need between 1.3 and 1.8 g/kg/day of ^protein4. For strength sports (bodybuilding, weightlifting...) or to build muscle mass, requirements rise to 2 g/kg/day. 

The effects of proteins on the body 

Proteins play an important role and provide indirect benefits (the need for muscular effort) for the body in terms of :

• muscle hypertrophy;
• optimizing adaptation to exercise ;
• to develop physical strength; 
• to harmonize the silhouette;
• optimizing the use of energy substrates. 

The risks of inadequate nutrient intake

There's no need to consume too much protein, as this can affect your kidney health. Instead, maintain a regular and adapted intake.

ANSES considers that protein intake is safe for healthy individuals under 60, as long as the long-term dose does not exceed 2.2 g/kg/day. It is important to remember that beyond this level, proteins are not utilized and are broken down by the kidneys, which can lead to overloading and acidification of the body. Overdosage has no beneficial effect on muscle development, but it does have an effect on the kidneys, which are overtaxed to filter out the excess.
Moreover, in women, overdosing can lead to a risk of acidosis linked to a disturbance in bone metabolism.

More generally, it is advisable to keep an eye on your energy balance. Ideal intake must cover expenditure to prevent the risk (under- or over-dosing) of developing endocrine disorders, such as amenorrhea in sportswomen. Other risks include muscular fragility and reduced testosterone levels in men, which can impair fertility. 

When and how to eat protein? 

Frequency and distribution throughout the day

In concrete terms, protein rations for endurance or strength disciplines such as bodybuilding are 3 per day with "classic" meals, i.e. one at each meal, with even theaddition of protein snacks after training or to supplement intake at breakfast or in the evening. 

For its part, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) recommends ideally distributing the total amount of protein to be consumed every 3 to 4 hours throughout the^day5. This system of splitting up the protein allows the body to better assimilate and digest it. It is also a way of maintaining a constant level of amino acids in the blood. 

This is where protein powders come in, such as whey, a milk protein that is becoming a very popular dietary supplement, especially for convenience or when access to complete protein sources is limited.

Before, during and after training: how to choose?  

There are many questions about the ideal time to consume protein. Here's a quick summary of the benefits of consuming protein before, during or after training.

Muscle growth is the result of the body's response to stress-related muscle micro-injury, combined with the right diet and rest. This is where muscle proteins come in.

Providing a dose of protein before exercise has the advantage of :

• protect the muscle, which is supplied with a dose of amino acids for training. This energy supply limits protein breakdown, improves recovery and promotes muscle gain.
• delay fatigue during long, intense endurance sessions. 
• regulate blood sugar levels, stabilizing energy and preventing insulin spikes and crashes. 

Generally speaking, the pre-exercise dose corresponds to the proteins in the classic diet, rather than a dose of whey-type proteins, which are rapidly absorbed and better suited to post-exercise.

During exercise, it is not recommended to consume proteins, which are difficult to digest, except in special cases, particularly in ultra-endurance.

After the session, we often hear about the metabolic window, the moment when the body switches from the process of protein degradation (catabolism) to reconstruction (anabolism). Studies differ as to the effect of this window on the body's more efficient absorption of proteins. Some studies point to muscle gain, while others say it's the total daily amount of protein that counts.

Finally, you can also take your protein before bed. Sleep is a factor in sports performance. It's a period of regeneration for the body, during which it rebuilds its resources and growth is stimulated. Proteins have a key role to play in this process, as they are at the heart of muscle rebuilding. 

Which protein sources to choose? 

Animal vs. plant proteins: what are the differences? 

Plant and animal proteins do not have the same nutritional value. Animal proteins are preferred by muscles because of their more^complete amino acid profile.

There are nine essential amino acids, including BCAAs, which the body cannot produce on its own and which must be obtained from food or protein supplements. 

Table of essential amino acids and their functions:

Amino acid	Main function
Leucine	Stimulates muscle protein synthesis
Isoleucine	Blood sugar regulation, muscle recovery
Valine	Muscle tissue growth and repair
Lysine	Energy production, collagen formation
Threonine	Bone health, antibody production
Methionine	Metabolism, detoxification
Phenylalanine	Neurotransmitter production
Tryptophan	Mood and sleep regulation
Histidine	Tissue repair, red blood cell production

The problem with plant proteins is that they don't have all the essential amino acids in optimal dosages like animal proteins. To avoid any deficiencies and compensate for meat or fish consumption when you're a vegetarian, for example, combine a cereal and a legume for a more biologically complete protein combo.

Here are some protein food combinations to consider: 

• rice + soy ; 
• kidney beans + corn ;
• rice + lentils ; 
• wheat + chickpeas. 

Protein powders: whey, casein... what to choose?

Whey proteinis highly prized among bodybuilders looking for a supplement to help them gain mass. It is made from whey that is filtered, concentrated, and dried to form a powder rich in high-quality protein. Its greatest asset is its BCAA content ( leucine, isoleucine, and valine), which are essential for building muscle. It is also easily absorbed by the body.
There are different forms of whey protein available: concentrate, isolate, hydrolyzed, and native. We recommend isolate, which is purer than concentrate and offers better value for money than hydrolyzed whey protein. 

Whey is a convenient, quick and easy protein snack. Just 1 or 2 doses a day as a snack, mixed with water or milk in a shaker, and you're all set.

Whey competes with casein, which is also derived from milk. This protein is slower to digest, and its release lasts 7 to 8 hours, making it an asset at night. Whey, on the other hand, is rapidly digested, reducing the release time to 2-3 hours. 

A shaker to increase Whey diffusion

Whey is a highly soluble product whose amino acid composition also explains its rapid digestion. However, it is possible to slow down absorption without compromising its effectiveness by combining the product with foods that slow down digestion. Here are several options: 

• seeds: walnuts, almonds, chia, flax, etc. ;
• Fibre: green vegetables and legumes; 
• vegetable milks: almond, coconut, soy.

3 preconceived ideas about protein

Proteins are dangerous for the kidneys 

As we saw earlier in this article, what's bad for the kidneys is excess protein, which has to be eliminated if overdosed. If protein intake is adapted to the person's objective and training level, there is no risk for healthy people. Proteins in themselves do not cause kidney problems. On the other hand, protein of uncontrolled composition, potentially contaminated with unwanted products, can be totally deleterious to the kidneys and liver.

Proteins make you fat (or thin)

What causes weight gain is an imbalance in the balance between caloric intake and expenditure. Just like weight loss, it's the other way around.

Proteins, like creatine for mass gain, get a bad press because of their role in muscular hypertrophy, but when properly dosed according to the initial objective, they don't make you put on weight and are an excellent resource. In muscular hypertrophy, it's the basic stimulation by effort that induces fiber development, which is supported by protein. But proteins don't make muscle grow directly.

Protein gives you bodybuilder's arms

Don't worry: they're an essential foundation for building muscle, but on their own, they're not enough.

It takes targeted training with regular resistance exercises coupled with good protein intake and other factors like rest and hydration to build muscle mass. And it takes time. 

Conclusion

Whether you are male or female, young or older, your daily protein requirements for muscle building and strength development depend on many factors: body mass, lean body mass, training frequency, age, individual goals, and metabolic profile. Recent studies show that an intake (for men or women) of 1.3 g to 2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight provides enough to promote muscle protein synthesis and therefore the maintenance and/or healthy development of muscle mass, without compromising the maintenance of basal metabolism.

Protein for bodybuilding comes fromfood (eggs, cottage cheese, fish) or supplements ( whey isolate, weight gainers, casein). It should be spread evenly throughout the day, particularly around training sessions, such as post-workout protein or at breakfast, to maximize its absorption and muscle fiber repair. The choice of protein varies according to specific criteria: male or female, vegetarian diet, occasional or regular exercise, etc.

Consumption tailored to individual needs poses no health risk to healthy individuals. Side effects such as kidney problems only occur in specific cases, often linked to a pre-existing condition or overdose. A balanced and varied diet remains the best option for meeting your needs without consuming excess calories and promoting the accumulation of adipose tissue.

There is therefore no single best protein, but rather a choice to be made based on your profile, tastes, and specific needs. If in doubt, seeking the help of a specialized and competent coach can help you optimize your protein intake and maintain your daily portion to find the best combination. 

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