Which nutrient is primarily involved in muscle repair and growth?

Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth due to their role as the building blocks of body tissues. When you engage in physical activity, especially resistance training or any form of strenuous exercise, your muscle fibers experience stress and minor damage. Proteins, composed of amino acids, are crucial for the repair process, as they help rebuild and strengthen these damaged fibers.

Specifically, certain amino acids, such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), play a significant role in muscle recovery. In addition to repairing muscle tissue, proteins aid in muscle hypertrophy, which is the increase in muscle size.

While carbohydrates provide energy necessary for workouts and overall performance, and fats support various bodily functions, they do not play as direct a role in muscle repair and growth as proteins do. Vitamins are vital for multiple physiological processes and support overall health but are not directly responsible for muscle tissue repair. Therefore, proteins are recognized as the primary nutrient involved in muscle repair and growth.