How is protein intake commonly expressed for athletes?

Protein intake for athletes is commonly expressed in grams per kilogram of body weight. This measurement is particularly useful because it accounts for individual variations in body size and composition, enabling a more tailored approach to protein requirements based on the athlete's specific weight.

For instance, recommendations typically range from 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, depending on the type of sport, training intensity, and goals such as muscle building or recovery. This clear standardized measure helps athletes and nutritionists determine appropriate protein intake to support muscle repair, recovery, and overall performance in a more precise way compared to other methods.

Other options, such as calories per meal or amount per day, do not provide the same level of personalized insight, as they may not consider an athlete's weight or specific needs. Percent of total calories might also be too vague, as it does not give a direct indication of how much protein someone should consume based on their weight. Thus, expressing protein needs in grams per kilogram of body weight is the most effective and widely accepted method in sports nutrition.