It’s common knowledge that protein is one of the most important nutrients needed for building muscle. But is it the only one? 

Most of us are so focused on meeting our daily protein needs that we completely ignore some other important nutrients. 

More so, if your goal is muscle growth as well as good health, taking care of micronutrients should be equally important for you. Most of these nutrients are needed in small quantities which can be easily obtained through your diet. 

You must be wondering what these other nutrients are and how do they affect muscle gain? 

Here’s how: 

Rapid muscle growth can very easily affect your iron levels. Iron is the nutrient that helps in supplying oxygen throughout your body and helps in metabolizing carbohydrates. This is why low iron levels can adversely affect your workouts and muscle growth. It can interfere with your focus and stamina. 

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Thanks to the pandemic, we already know the importance of Vitamin D for the immune system. According to this study, Vitamin D plays an active role in muscle growth and development and in regulating muscle contractility. Even though the sun is the main source of Vitamin D for our bodies, you can add some foods that are rich in Vitamin D to your diet too. 

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Muscle growth needs to be supported by stronger bones but that’s not all that calcium is needed for. It is also essential for triggering muscle contraction. Since dairy products are the main sources of calcium, anyone who doesn’t consume dairy may have to rely on supplements. 

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Magnesium is the one nutrient that literally de-stresses your body. It’s needed for muscle relaxation as well as muscle contraction. From protein synthesis to improving your sleep, magnesium ensures that your body is recovering efficiently and is ready for your next workout. 

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Even though glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, supplementing it will help you progress with your muscle growth. It helps in protein synthesis, muscle relaxation and recovery. Muscle recovery is just as important as any other aspect of fitness. This nutrient also helps in maintaining gut function and boosting immunity. 

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If you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated in your fitness journey, don’t lose hope just yet. Go back to the basics and ensure that your diet and sleep routine is just as excellent as your workouts. Sometimes, it’s the simple changes that make a huge difference. 

Know more about diet and nutrition for muscle growth here. 

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