Which macronutrient is primarily responsible for tissue repair and muscle growth?

Proteins are the macronutrients primarily responsible for tissue repair and muscle growth due to their fundamental role in the structure and function of body tissues. When the body undergoes physical exercise, muscle fibers experience micro-tears, and proteins serve as the building blocks needed to repair these tears, thereby promoting muscle recovery and growth.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, some of which are essential and must be obtained through the diet. This makes protein intake crucial for athletes and individuals engaging in strength training or recovery from injury, as these amino acids are necessary for synthesizing new muscle protein.

In contrast, carbohydrates primarily serve as a source of energy for the body, especially during high-intensity physical activity, while fats are important for energy storage and providing essential fatty acids. Vitamins, although critical for numerous biochemical processes, do not provide the building blocks required for muscle tissue repair. Thus, proteins are uniquely positioned as the key macronutrient for these physiological processes.