Protein supplementation provides a positive environment for the muscle to grow. Protein supplementation without exercise will not produce muscle growth. Supplementation provides a positive nitrogen balance in the body. As we age, we lose muscle on a slow, consistent basis if we do not take the steps necessary to prevent the loss. Muscle is metabolically active and the slow loss of muscle contributes to our fat stores.
Vegetarian diets are notoriously low in protein.
Unfortunately, the biological value of food protein is not as good as whey protein due to cooking and the addition of hormones, steroids, and genetic altering by our agriculture industry. Aerobic activities make your body need extra protein because you are creating a negative nitrogen balance. Burn patients and those experiencing other traumas display severe muscle loss. Their protein requirements are as high as athletes in intense training. People in this desperate state have suppressed immune systems.