Macro partitioning
Increasing protein intake to approximately 2.3 g/kg/day during a hypoenergetic diet preserves lean body mass in resistance-trained athletes compared to a standard protein intake of 1.0 g/kg/day.
If you are a resistance-trained athlete cutting weight, increase your protein to roughly 2.3 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. Keep your training volume and intensity normal. This strategy will significantly reduce the amount of muscle you lose during your caloric deficit compared to eating standard protein levels, without hurting your strength or power performance.
These results indicate that ~2.3 gkg-1 or ~35% protein was significantly superior to ~1.0 gkg-1 or ~15% energy protein for maintenance of lean body mass in young healthy athletes during short-term hypoenergetic weight loss.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with parallel design, though small sample size (n=20) and short duration (2 weeks weight loss).
Source
Increased Protein Intake Reduces Lean Body Mass Loss during Weight Loss in Athletes
Samuel Mettler et al. · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2010
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