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💪 Best foods for building and maintaining muscle

What to do — the quick answer

Tap any line for the reason, the evidence level and the source. The full step-by-step explanation follows below.

🥗 Eat more of

  • TofuBuilding blocks for muscle · Helps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Building blocks for muscle: Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    Helps muscles contract: Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    One portion (150 g): 23.3 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle growth · 23.3 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Keeps muscle · 23.3 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Protein building · 117 mg per portion Step 2
    “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Muscle function · 117 mg per portion Step 3
    “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for tofu →
  • Quinoa, boiledBuilding blocks for muscle · Helps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Building blocks for muscle: Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    Helps muscles contract: Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    One portion (150 g): 5.2 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Protein building · 87.3 mg per portion Step 2
    “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Muscle function · 87.3 mg per portion Step 3
    “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for quinoa, boiled →
  • SpinachBuilding blocks for muscle · Helps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Building blocks for muscle: Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    Helps muscles contract: Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    One portion (100 g): 2.1 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Protein building · 68 mg per portion Step 2
    “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Muscle function · 68 mg per portion Step 3
    “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for spinach →
  • Edamame (immature soya beans)Building blocks for muscle · Helps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Building blocks for muscle: Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    Helps muscles contract: Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    One portion (100 g): 13 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Protein building · 65 mg per portion Step 2
    “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Muscle function · 65 mg per portion Step 3
    “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for edamame (immature soya beans) →
  • Cashew nutsBuilding blocks for muscle · Helps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Building blocks for muscle: Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    Helps muscles contract: Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    One portion (25 g): 5.3 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Protein building · 64.5 mg per portion Step 2
    “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Muscle function · 64.5 mg per portion Step 3
    “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for cashew nuts →
  • Turkey breast, skinlessBuilding blocks for muscle
    How it helps you build muscle

    Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    One portion (150 g): 36.1 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle growth · 36.1 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Keeps muscle · 36.1 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for turkey breast, skinless →
  • TroutBuilding blocks for muscle
    How it helps you build muscle

    Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    One portion (125 g): 26.9 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle growth · 26.9 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Keeps muscle · 26.9 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for trout →
  • CodBuilding blocks for muscle
    How it helps you build muscle

    Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

    One portion (150 g): 26.7 g Protein

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle growth · 26.7 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Keeps muscle · 26.7 g per portion Step 2
    “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for cod →
  • Soya drink, fortifiedHelps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle contraction · 300 mg per portion Step 3
    “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    EU claim Muscle function · 1.9 µg per portion Step 3
    “Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for soya drink, fortified →
  • Emmental cheeseHelps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle contraction · 348 mg per portion Step 3
    “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for emmental cheese →
  • Milk, 1.5% fatHelps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle contraction · 303 mg per portion Step 3
    “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for milk, 1.5% fat →
  • Oat drink, fortifiedHelps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle contraction · 300 mg per portion Step 3
    “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for oat drink, fortified →
  • KaleHelps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle contraction · 286 mg per portion Step 3
    “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for kale →
  • Potato, unpeeledHelps muscles contract
    How it helps you build muscle

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

    The evidence
    EU claim Muscle function · 926 mg per portion Step 3
    “Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
    All nutrients & evidence for potato, unpeeled →

🏃 Do

  • Strength training 2×/weekOfficial
    Do muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. CDC
  • 150 min activity / weekOfficial
    Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week — for example 30 minutes on 5 days. CDCWHO
  • Protein at every mealTrials
    This plan targets 1.2 g/kg a day (within the range EFSA considers safe), spread across meals; gains levelled off above about 1.6 g/kg in trials. PubMed studyEFSA
  • Move before protein mealsReview
    Physical activity before eating protein helps older muscle use it to build muscle. PubMed study

Evidence: EU claim EU-authorised claim · Official Official guidance · Trials Clinical trials · Study Population study · Review Scientific review

Turn this into my daily build & keep muscle plan → How it works, step by step ↓

How muscle is built and kept

Training gives muscle the signal to grow; food supplies the building blocks. Neither works well without the other. PubMed study

  1. 1Resistance training sends the signal
  2. 2Protein supplies the building blocks
  3. 3Minerals let muscles contract
  4. 4With age, muscle responds less
  1. Resistance training sends the signal

    Root cause: Without regular resistance training there is no signal to grow.

    🏃 Do
    • Strength training 2×/weekOfficial
      Do muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. CDC
    • 150 min activity / weekOfficial
      Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week — for example 30 minutes on 5 days. CDCWHO
    How this step works · what slows it down · sources

    Lifting weights or other resistance training is what drives gains in muscle size and strength. In a meta-analysis of 49 trials, extra protein increased those gains only alongside prolonged resistance training. PubMed studyWHO

    The advice for this step comes from official health agencies and published research — the badge on each line shows which.

  2. Protein supplies the building blocks

    Root cause: Too little protein — or protein without training.

    🥗 Eat
    • TofuBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (150 g): 23.3 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle growth · 23.3 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      EU claim Keeps muscle · 23.3 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      EU claim Protein building · 117 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for tofu →
    • Turkey breast, skinlessBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (150 g): 36.1 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle growth · 36.1 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      EU claim Keeps muscle · 36.1 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for turkey breast, skinless →
    • TroutBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (125 g): 26.9 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle growth · 26.9 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      EU claim Keeps muscle · 26.9 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for trout →
    • CodBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (150 g): 26.7 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle growth · 26.7 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      EU claim Keeps muscle · 26.7 g per portion
      “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for cod →
    • Quinoa, boiledBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (150 g): 5.2 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Protein building · 87.3 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for quinoa, boiled →
    • SpinachBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (100 g): 2.1 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Protein building · 68 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for spinach →
    • Edamame (immature soya beans)Building blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (100 g): 13 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Protein building · 65 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for edamame (immature soya beans) →
    • Cashew nutsBuilding blocks for muscle
      How it helps you build muscle

      Muscle is built from the amino acids in the protein you eat. Protein is authorised to contribute to growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and it adds most alongside resistance training. PubMed studyEUR-Lex

      One portion (25 g): 5.3 g Protein

      The evidence
      EU claim Protein building · 64.5 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for cashew nuts →
    🏃 Do
    • Protein at every mealTrials
      This plan targets 1.2 g/kg a day (within the range EFSA considers safe), spread across meals; gains levelled off above about 1.6 g/kg in trials. PubMed studyEFSA
    How this step works · what slows it down · sources

    Muscle protein is built from amino acids that come from dietary protein. In the meta-analysis, total protein intakes above about 1.6 g per kg body weight a day added no further gain in lean mass. PubMed studyEFSA

    🔻 What can slow this down
    • EFSA's reference intake for adults is 0.83 g per kg a day; intakes up to about twice that are considered safe. EFSA

    “EU claim” items use the exact wording of Reg. (EU) No 432/2012 EUR-Lex; listed foods meet the legal condition of use (amounts per normal portion, BLS 4.0 / USDA).

  3. Minerals let muscles contract

    Root cause: Low calcium, magnesium, potassium or vitamin D.

    🥗 Eat
    • Soya drink, fortifiedHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle contraction · 300 mg per portion
      “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      EU claim Muscle function · 1.9 µg per portion
      “Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for soya drink, fortified →
    • Emmental cheeseHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle contraction · 348 mg per portion
      “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for emmental cheese →
    • Milk, 1.5% fatHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle contraction · 303 mg per portion
      “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for milk, 1.5% fat →
    • Oat drink, fortifiedHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle contraction · 300 mg per portion
      “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for oat drink, fortified →
    • KaleHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle contraction · 286 mg per portion
      “Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for kale →
    • TofuHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle function · 117 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for tofu →
    • Quinoa, boiledHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle function · 87.3 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for quinoa, boiled →
    • SpinachHelps muscles contract
      How it helps you build muscle

      Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to maintaining it. EUR-Lex

      The evidence
      EU claim Muscle function · 68 mg per portion
      “Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.” EUR-LexEU Commission
      All nutrients & evidence for spinach →
    How this step works · what slows it down · sources

    Calcium, magnesium and potassium are authorised to contribute to normal muscle function, and vitamin D to the maintenance of normal muscle function. EUR-Lex

    “EU claim” items use the exact wording of Reg. (EU) No 432/2012 EUR-Lex; listed foods meet the legal condition of use (amounts per normal portion, BLS 4.0 / USDA).

  4. With age, muscle responds less

    Root cause: "Anabolic resistance": older muscle uses protein less well, especially when inactive.

    🏃 Do
    • Move before protein mealsReview
      Physical activity before eating protein helps older muscle use it to build muscle. PubMed study
    How this step works · what slows it down · sources

    Older muscle often responds less to protein. Being physically active before eating protein helps ageing muscle use it, and staying active may be key to keeping that response. PubMed study

    🔻 What can slow this down
    • In the meta-analysis, the extra gain from protein got smaller with age. PubMed study

    The advice for this step comes from official health agencies and published research — the badge on each line shows which.

Authorised claims say a nutrient contributes to a normal body function. They do not mean that eating more than you need improves that function, or that a food treats any condition. Population studies show associations, not proof of cause.

Meal options built from this flow

Pick any option per meal. Ranked by how well one portion covers this goal's targets and how many steps above its foods support (reference adult, everything diet). The planner adapts portions, diet type and allergies.

Breakfast — pick one of 3

Boiled eggs on wholemeal toast with spinach & tomato
Eggs, boiled 120 g (2 eggs) · Wholemeal bread 60 g · Spinach 50 g · Tomatoes 100 g · Olive oil 5 g
375 kcal · 23.2 g protein · 8.2 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Tofu scramble with peppers, mushrooms & toast
381 kcal · 31.4 g protein · 11 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Cottage cheese with kiwi, oats & wheat germ
303 kcal · 24.5 g protein · 9.9 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract

Lunch — pick one of 3

Salmon, quinoa & broccoli bowl
Salmon 125 g · Quinoa, boiled 150 g · Broccoli 120 g · Olive oil 5 g
468 kcal · 34.5 g protein · 8.2 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Tofu & edamame stir-fry with brown rice
541 kcal · 37 g protein · 10.7 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Egg, avocado & quinoa salad
Eggs, boiled 120 g (2 eggs) · Quinoa, boiled 120 g · Avocado 50 g · Tomatoes 80 g · Spinach 40 g
388 kcal · 23.4 g protein · 7.5 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract

Dinner — pick one of 3

Vegetable frittata with salad & bread
Eggs, boiled 180 g (3 eggs) · Courgette (zucchini) 100 g · Red sweet pepper 60 g · Emmental cheese 20 g · Lamb's lettuce 40 g · Wholemeal bread 40 g · Olive oil 5 g
514 kcal · 36.4 g protein · 7.2 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Tofu & cauliflower curry with brown rice
507 kcal · 34.7 g protein · 11.6 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Roast pumpkin, tofu & quinoa tray
444 kcal · 32 g protein · 10.8 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract

Snack — pick one of 3

Soya yogurt with walnuts & raspberries
236 kcal · 10.1 g protein · 3.7 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Steamed edamame
146 kcal · 13 g protein · 4.2 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract
Skyr with pomegranate
Skyr 150 g · Pomegranate 80 g
159 kcal · 16.1 g protein · 2.1 g fibre
Step 2: Protein supplies the building blocksStep 3: Minerals let muscles contract

In short

Protein is authorised in the EU to contribute to a growth in muscle mass and to its maintenance. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D contribute to normal muscle function. Resistance exercise is what drives muscle growth; the diet supplies the building blocks.

What official sources say

EFSA set a Population Reference Intake for protein of 0.83 g per kg body weight per day for adults and considered intakes up to twice this level safe. EFSA
Muscle strengthening benefits everyone; WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week for adults. WHO

Key nutrients & daily targets

Shown for a reference adult (40-year-old man, 75 kg, ~2600 kcal). Your plan recalculates these for your age, sex and weight.

NutrientDaily targetBasis
Protein90 gApp target 1.2 g/kg — above the EFSA Population Reference Intake (0.83 g/kg) and within the range EFSA considers safe (up to about twice the PRI). EFSA
Vitamin D15 µgNIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS
Magnesium420 mgNIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS
Potassium3400 mgNIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS
Calcium1000 mgNIH ODS Recommended Dietary Allowance / Adequate Intake for your age and sex NIH ODS

All authorised EU health claims for this goal (7)

Exact wording from Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. A food may only carry a claim if it meets the legal condition of use — on each food page we show the numbers that meet (or miss) it.

Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. EUR-LexEU Commission
Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. EUR-LexEU Commission
Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis. EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Potassium contributes to normal muscle function. EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Calcium contributes to normal muscle function. EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function. EUR-LexEU CommissionNIH ODS

Foods ranked by nutrient content (14)

Ranked by how much of the daily target one normal portion provides (nutrient values: BLS 4.0 / USDA FDC), plus authorised claims the food qualifies for.

Herring · 125 g
Vitamin D: 20 µg (100 %)Protein: 21.5 g (26 %)Potassium: 419 mg (16 %)Magnesium: 32.5 mg (10 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +2 more
Evidence
Trout · 125 g
Protein: 26.9 g (32 %)Vitamin D: 9.9 µg (66 %)Potassium: 523 mg (20 %)Magnesium: 32.5 mg (10 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +2 more
Evidence
Mackerel · 125 g
Protein: 23.3 g (28 %)Vitamin D: 10 µg (67 %)Potassium: 419 mg (16 %)Magnesium: 46.3 mg (14 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +2 more
Evidence
Mussels · 150 g
Vitamin D: 12 µg (80 %)Protein: 15.8 g (19 %)Potassium: 428 mg (16 %)Magnesium: 45.3 mg (14 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence
Turkey breast, skinless · 150 g
Protein: 36.1 g (43 %)Potassium: 500 mg (19 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence
Chicken breast, skinless · 150 g
Protein: 32.7 g (39 %)Potassium: 603 mg (23 %)Magnesium: 42.1 mg (13 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence
Tofu · 150 g
Protein: 23.3 g (28 %)Magnesium: 117 mg (36 %)Calcium: 278 mg (28 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +3 more
Evidence
Salmon · 125 g
Protein: 24.9 g (30 %)Vitamin D: 4.8 µg (32 %)Potassium: 495 mg (19 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +2 more
Evidence
Cod · 150 g
Protein: 26.7 g (32 %)Potassium: 510 mg (20 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence
Beef rump (lean red meat) · 125 g
Protein: 27.6 g (33 %)Potassium: 433 mg (17 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence
Beef mince, lean · 125 g
Protein: 27.5 g (33 %)Potassium: 450 mg (17 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence
Sardines in oil, drained · 90 g
Protein: 21.7 g (26 %)Potassium: 349 mg (13 %)Vitamin D: 1.7 µg (11 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +2 more
Evidence
Edamame (immature soya beans) · 100 g
Protein: 13 g (15 %)Potassium: 620 mg (24 %)Magnesium: 65 mg (20 %)Calcium: 197 mg (20 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +4 more
Evidence
Tuna, canned, drained · 100 g
Protein: 22.9 g (27 %)
✓ Qualifies for: “Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.” · “Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.” +1 more
Evidence

Example day from a build & keep muscle plan

Generated automatically for the reference adult. Your plan adapts portions, diet type and allergies.

Breakfast
Tofu scramble with peppers, mushrooms & toast
Lunch
Salmon, quinoa & broccoli bowl
Salmon 160 g · Quinoa, boiled 250 g · Broccoli 120 g · Olive oil 10 g
Dinner
Mackerel with buckwheat & carrots
Mackerel 160 g · Buckwheat groats (dry) 80 g · Carrots 100 g · Leek 60 g · Rapeseed (canola) oil 10 g
Snack
Kefir & a kiwi
Kefir, low-fat 330 g · Kiwi fruit 120 g
Snack
Soya yogurt with walnuts & raspberries

⚕️ Safety tips

  • Protein builds muscle together with strength training; eating more than you need does not add muscle on its own. EFSA

Sources

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