What is the recommended dietary allowance for protein for athletes?

The recommended dietary allowance for protein for athletes is indeed between 1.2 grams per kilogram and 1.7 grams per kilogram. This range is supported by research that suggests athletes, particularly those involved in endurance sports or strength training, have higher protein needs than sedentary individuals. Protein plays a critical role in muscle repair, recovery from exercise, and overall performance enhancement.

Athletes require more protein to support the physiological adaptations that occur with regular training, which can lead to muscle damage that needs to be repaired. The specific requirement can depend on the type of sport, the intensity of training, and individual goals, such as muscle gain or endurance improvement. Thus, providing guidance within this range allows for personalized nutrition plans that can cater to the unique demands of each athlete's training regimen.

The other choices provided do not align with current recommendations for athletes. For example, a figure like 0.8 grams per kilogram is generally the recommended intake for sedentary adults, which is insufficient for active individuals. Similarly, while 1.0 or 1.5 grams per kilogram are closer to the requirements, they do not fully encompass the recognized range necessary for optimal performance and recovery, particularly for higher-level athletes.