Why is protein important?

• A. Protein repairs muscles, including injuries.
• B. Protein is only used for energy.
• C. Protein has no role in muscle repair.
• D. Protein is only involved in hydration.

Answer: (A)

Protein plays a central role in repairing and building tissues, especially muscles after exercise or injury. When muscles are stressed, tiny fibers tear and need new tissue to rebuild stronger. Amino acids from dietary protein are the building blocks that fuel muscle protein synthesis, helping repair damage and support recovery, growth, and overall function of muscles.

While protein can serve as an energy source if caloric intake is insufficient, its primary and most important function is providing those amino acids for repair and maintenance, not powering workouts or events. Saying protein has no role in muscle repair is incorrect, since repairing muscle tissue relies on the availability of adequate protein. It’s also not accurate to say protein is only about hydration; hydration relates to fluids and electrolytes, not the structural and repair roles of protein.

So the statement that best captures why protein matters is that it repairs muscles, including injuries.