Protein intake and athletic performance.
For most of the current century, exercise/nutritional scientists have generally accepted the belief that exercise has little effect on protein/amino acid requirements. However, during the same time period many athletes (especially strength athletes) have routinely consumed diets high in protein. In recent years, the results of a number of investigations involving both strength and endurance athletes indicate that, in fact, exercise does increase protein/amino acid need. For endurance athletes, regular exercise may increase protein need by 50 to 100%. For strength athletes, the data are less clear; however, protein intakes in excess of sedentary needs may enhance muscle development. Despite these observations increased protein intake may not improve athletic performance because many athletes routinely consume 150 to 200% of sedentary protein requirements. Assuming total energy intake is sufficient to cover the high expenditures caused by daily training, a diet containing 12 to 15% of its energy from protein should be adequate for both types of athletes.
Lemon
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Applied Physiology Research Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio.
Proctor
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DN
D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports
D004044:Dietary Proteins