This paper explains that proteins are called the
building blocks of life because they are essential to the proper functioning
of every
organism known to man. It indicates that they are used for support, storage, transport of other
substances, signaling from one part of the organism to another, movement and defense against foreign substances. The author points out that eating an appropriate amount of protein is important to everyone because ingesting too much or too little can both have adverse affects on the rest of the body. The paper reports that nutritionists have identified several categories of athletes who may require greater levels of protein to reach peak performance: Endurance athletes, athletes performing intense strength training programs, teenage athletes with growth as well as exercise requirements, exercisers and athletes following a calorie-restricted weight loss program.