How much protein do you need to gain muscle?

The recommended daily allowance of protein is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, according to the Food and Drug Administration. It is a common misconception that muscle-builders need more, but a balanced diet of complex carbohydrates, vegetables, whole grains, fish and fruits is just as important as protein.

A 200-pound body builder needs at least 72 grams of protein per day to support bodily functions. In order to build muscle, caloric intake is more important than protein intake. It takes about 3500 extra calories per week to build 1 pound of muscle and fat, and just 15 percent of these calories should derive from protein.