Protein supports the maintenance and recovery of the muscles. Essential amino acids, as well as zinc and magnesium, and numerous vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 help athletes (endurance athletes, strength athletes and many athletes from other disciplines) to regenerate more quickly and cope with physical exertion faster. High-quality recovery drinks with protein and carbohydrates are therefore ideal for replenishing glycogen stores after exercise and helping muscle function with sports nutrition. For shorter, energetically less demanding but muscularly strenuous workouts or during calorie-reduced phases, it can be useful to reduce the carbohydrate content somewhat. Pure protein products can then be used alike. Endurance athletes in particular often underestimate their protein requirements and associate protein supplementation with muscle growth and strength training yet forget its importance for muscle maintenance.