What is an essential nutrient for muscle repair and growth?

Protein is fundamentally essential for muscle repair and growth due to its role as a key building block for muscle tissues. When muscles experience stress during exercise, they undergo small tears; protein provides the amino acids necessary to repair these tears, leading to muscle hypertrophy and improved strength. Consuming an adequate amount of protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for recovery, especially after resistance training.

While carbohydrates are vital for energy during workouts and fats provide necessary energy as well, they do not play a direct role in the structural components of muscle like protein does. Vitamins support various bodily functions, including metabolism and overall health, but they are not catabolized into amino acids that can be used for muscle repair. Thus, protein stands out as the primary nutrient specifically targeted for muscle rebuilding and growth.