Protein is an important component of our body and estimated to constitute half of the dry weight of the body. The main source of protein in the diet is from chicken, beef, fish, lamb and legumes such as lentils and beans. The proteins are digested and amino acids are released. These amino acids are used as a source of energy or are converted into hormones or used to produce new proteins. Proteins are made up of some 22 different amino acids. Normally a protein consists of 50 to as many as tens of thousand of amino acids linked together. There are two types of amino acids. The non-essential amino acids can be made by the human body. The essential amino acids are supplied by food.

The recommended dietary intake of protein is 0.75 gram per kilogram of body weight for adult women and 0.84 gram per kilogram of body weight for adult men. The need for protein depends on the age and weight of the person. The main source of protein are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts, beans and lentils, soy products, grains particularly wheat.

Athletes and bodybuilders may require excess protein in order to support the rigorous training and muscle repair. The generally recommended intake of protein is twice the amount taken by less active people. However, some bodybuilders have taken the need for extra proteins beyond rational limits. Though consumption of excess protein is generally considered to be not harmful, yet there is risk for people with such problems as kidney problem, diabetes and overweight. The powdered protein supplementary industry has been vigorously over stressing on protein supplement. These are expensive too when natural food, for instance, skim milk powder is cheaper. There are a range of products to choose such as Ny-Tro Pro-40, BSN Cell Mass, BSN No-Xplode, Controlled Labs Purple Wraath and BSN Syntha-6.

A protein intake of 40 percent along with 40 percent carbohydrate and 20 percent fat is recommended by some bodybuilding coaches and weight trainers. When a bodybuilder takes 4000 calorie which is quite reasonable, it means an intake four times the normal recommended protein intake and twice that of the acceptable norm.

Our bodies are made up of cells. Because of this, we need to keep these alive by maintaining sufficient amount of protein within the body.

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