How to build and support muscle this World Protein Day and beyond

February 27, 2025 at 08:01 AM EST

(BPT) - Whether you're an everyday athlete or weekend warrior, working toward your weight loss goals or hoping to maintain your strength and balance as you age, you probably know how vital muscles are.

You may also know that protein plays a big role in building and maintaining muscle, but you may be unsure how much you need. Protein is essential for tissue repair, hormone and enzyme production, and overall metabolism. Yet, because requirements vary according to age, sex, body composition and activity levels, many adults may not be meeting their individual needs.

"Ensuring adequate protein intake is crucial for overall health, particularly in terms of muscle development and maintenance, and it also plays a role in healthy weight management," said Registered Dietitian Susan Bowerman, senior director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife and chair of the Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board. "When prioritizing fitness, it's important to meet specific protein requirements from a variety of sources and to evenly distribute protein consumption throughout the day, to support muscle protein synthesis."

In honor of World Protein Day, Bowerman shares tips on how to boost protein intake and what to look for in a protein supplement.

Protein needs change with age

As you age, your body's ability to use protein declines, which means you need a higher intake to maintain muscle mass and overall health. Older adults should aim for a minimum of 1.0-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to support muscles and health. Higher amounts may be needed to support the needs of physically active older adults or those with particular health conditions.^[1],[2]

Tap into plant protein

A well-balanced mixture of plant proteins can provide ample high-quality, complete protein. Plant proteins are found in soy foods, beans, peas, lentils and whole grains - which also provide important vitamins and minerals.

However, protein intake recommendations for vegans and vegetarians are about 10% higher than for those whose diets contain animal protein.^[3],[4] Products like Herbalife's Protein Drink Mix Select contain 15 grams of easily-digestible protein from a blend of pea, rice and quinoa, and can help you get the necessary protein when following a plant-based diet.

Milk proteins can boost muscle growth

Milk proteins - whey and casein - are good sources of a particular set of amino acids that are well-suited for promoting muscle protein synthesis. They're rapidly taken up by cells, which is why they're often recommended as the perfect post-workout option. If you don't prefer dairy, choose proteins that deliver all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities, or consider a supplement made from a blend of plant proteins, such as pea, pumpkin seed and chia seed.

Support heart health

Since plant proteins are naturally cholesterol-free and generally much lower in saturated fats, swap animal proteins for plant-based options when possible in order to help keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check, which helps reduce your risk for heart disease. Some plant proteins come packed with fiber and antioxidants, which are also heart healthy.

Boost protein intake with supplements

Getting enough protein each day is only part of the challenge. Studies show that consuming protein in amounts that are evenly distributed throughout your day is more effective for muscle protein synthesis than having varying amounts at each meal. Aim for 20-40 grams of protein per meal (depending on your daily needs).^[5],[6] This can be especially challenging for some meals, like breakfast, which is often a lower protein meal. Protein supplements can help you achieve your ideal protein intake and ensure it's more evenly distributed throughout the day.

What to look for in a protein supplement:

High-quality ingredients: Protein powders made from premium protein sources ensure optimal nutrition without unnecessary fillers.
Customizable intake: Products that allow you to tailor your protein intake to meet specific dietary needs, such as Herbalife's Personalized Protein Powder or Herbalife24 Enhanced Protein Powder.
Versatility: Protein powders that can be easily incorporated into various foods and beverages can be convenient, like Herbalife's Protein Baked Goods Mix or Beverage Mix.
Plant-based options: Herbalife V Plant-Based Protein Shake and Herbalife Protein Drink Mix Select can help you achieve your daily protein intake when following a plant-based diet.
Third-party validation: Ensure your protein of choice is safe, effective and meets label claims by checking if it has been tested and approved by a third party. Look for certifications such as NSF-Certified for Sport, a certification applied to Herbalife24 Rebuild Strength, or the USDA Organic seal found on Herbalife V Plant-Based Protein Shake.

"At Herbalife, we are committed to supporting your wellness journey with a variety of high-protein products. Our offerings are designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making it easier to meet your protein needs," said Bowerman. "Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain overall good health, our products, when combined with a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle, provide the flexibility and convenience needed to achieve your health and fitness goals."

Find wellness resources to guide your journey to better well-being at Herbalife.com/en-us/wellness-resources, and explore Herbalife's protein offerings at Herbalife.com.

[1] Kozjek NR. Nutrition for physically active older person. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2016;14:55-6.

[2] Deutz NE, Bauer JM, Barazzoni R, Biolo G, Boirie Y, Bosy-Westphal A, et al. Protein intake and exercise for optimal muscle function with aging: recommendations from the ESPEN Expert Group. Clinical nutrition. 2014;33(6):929-36.

[3] Agnoli C, Baroni L, Bertini I, Ciappellano S, Fabbri A, Papa M, et al. Position Paper on Vegetarian Diets from the Working Group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition2017.

[4] Craig WJ, Mangels AR. Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(7):1266-82.

[5] Layman DK. Impacts of protein quantity and distribution on body composition. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1388986.

[6] Kerksick CM, Arent S, Schoenfeld BJ, Stout JR, Campbell B, Wilborn CD, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutrient timing. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:33.

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How to build and support muscle this World Protein Day and beyond

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