|  | 
 
| Protein Needs for Athletes Protein Needs for Athletes 2
 www.nsca-lift.org
 Introduction
 How much protein do athletes need on a daily basis? What sources of protein are the best? Are the times that protein is
 ingested important for gaining lean muscle mass and strength? These are the most pertinent questions that athletes, coaches,
 and trainers ask on a consistent basis in relation to protein intake. While carbohydrates are the key nutrient for fueling
 intense training, protein is the key nutrient for maximizing training adaptations (i.e., maintaining and improving muscular
 strength, endurance, and power) (2, 3). In addition to facilitating training adaptations, proteins are essential components
 of muscle, cell membranes, hormones, antibodies, enzymes, and many other body tissues and components. The following
 article will discuss protein needs, sources of dietary protein, and the relatively new science of protein timing as it applies to
 athletic populations.
 Protein Needs
 Protein ingestion is associated with the following functions (2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 21):
 • Increased rates of protein synthesis
 • Increased lean muscle mass accretion
 • Improved strength
 • Improved recovery from exercise
 • Improved immunity
 • Decreased musculoskeletal injuries
 The health and performance of an athlete is directly related to each of these factors. Therefore, the fact that athletes need
 dietary protein is not the question, but rather, the pertinent question is related to the quantity of protein that should be
 ingested on a daily basis for athletes training at a high intensity (such as those engaging in sport-specific practices and resistance
 exercise programs which can easily accumulate to over 10 hours of intense activity on a weekly basis). The adequacy of
 dietary protein intake is typically assessed using the nitrogen balance technique. Nitrogen balance is a laboratory technique
 by which both consumption and excretion of all nitrogen is quantified and the net difference calculated. The amount of
 protein necessary to elicit balance (when intake equals excretion) is thought to be the dietary requirement (16).
 Currently, the RDA for protein in healthy adults is 0.8 g/kg body weight per day (11). The purpose of this recommendation
 was to account for individual differences in protein metabolism, variations in the biological value of protein, and nitrogen
 losses in the urine and feces. However, many factors should be considered when determining an optimal amount of dietary
 protein for training athletes, such as (1):
 • Protein quality
 • Energy intake
 • Carbohydrate intake
 • Mode and intensity of exercise
 • Timing of protein intake
 Protein Needs for Athletes 3
 www.nsca-lift.org
 The current recommended level of protein intake (0.8 g/kg/day) is estimated to be sufficient to meet the needs of nearly
 all (97.5%) healthy men and women age 19 years and older. This amount of protein intake may be appropriate for nonathletes,
 but it is likely not sufficient to offset the oxidation of protein/amino acids during exercise training (approximately
 1 – 5% of the total energy cost of exercise) nor is it sufficient to provide substrate for lean tissue accretion or for the repair of
 exercise induced muscle damage (12, 22). In fact, some of the leading research organizations serving athletes have published
 recommendations that exceed the 0.8 g/kg/day threshold (1, 12, 20).
 The National Strength and Conditioning Association recommends athletes consume 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg of body weight of
 protein to ensure adequate protein intake (20). Athletes involved in moderate amounts of intense training (2 – 3 times per
 week for 30 – 45 minutes per session) should consume levels at the lower end of this range (110 – 130 grams/day for a 75kg
 athlete) while athletes involved in high volume intense training should consume levels at the upper end of this range (130
 – 150 grams/day for a 75kg athlete) (1). There has not been an abundance of scientific studies investigating the optimal
 amount of dietary protein intakes for athletes. Of the few well-controlled studies that exist, there is a consistent observation
 that 0.8 g//kg of body weight is not sufficient for supporting whole body protein synthesis or inducing a positive net protein
 balance (8, 9, 17 – 19, 23).
 Sources
 As mentioned above, protein quality is one of the primary factors to consider when considering which types of protein to
 ingest. When looking at the quality of a protein, the amino acid composition of a protein must be considered. Proteins are
 primarily classified as complete or incomplete depending on whether or not the protein contains adequate amounts of the
 essential amino acids. Of the twenty amino acids used to make proteins (skeletal muscle proteins, antibodies, hormones,
 enzymes, etc.) in the body, eleven are considered nonessential, meaning that the body is able to adequately synthesize them,
 and 9 are essential, meaning that the body is unable to adequately synthesize them. These essential amino acids, therefore,
 must be supplied through the diet.
 The quality of protein depends on the level at which it provides the essential amino acids needed for overall body health,
 maintenance, and growth. Animal proteins, such as eggs, cheese, milk, meat, and fish, are considered high-quality, or complete,
 proteins because they provide sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids in addition to the nonessential amino
 acids. Plant proteins, such as grain, nuts, corn, and vegetables are lower-quality proteins because many plant proteins lack
 one or more of the essential amino acids, even though they may contain all of the nonessential amino acids.
 An internationally used method known as the protein digestibility corrected amino acids score (PDCAAS) is recognized as
 the best method of comparing proteins for humans (4). A protein with a PDCAAS of 1.0 indicates that the protein exceeds
 the essential amino acid requirements of the body and is therefore an excellent source of protein. This method of determining
 protein quality reveals that soy, egg, and milk proteins (casein and whey) are classified as high-quality proteins. Because
 these sources of proteins are of the highest quality, it is recommended that athletes consume a majority of their protein from
 these sources. An attempt should be made to obtain protein requirements from whole foods, but supplemental protein is a
 safe and convenient method of ingesting high quality dietary protein.
 Protein Needs for Athletes 4
 www.nsca-lift.org
 Table 1. Classification of Amino Acids
 Essential Amino Acids Non-Essential Amino Acids
 Histidine* Alanine
 Isoleucine Arginine*
 Leucine Asparagine
 Lysine Aspartic Acid
 Methionine Cysteine
 Phenylalanine Cystine
 Threonine Glutamic Acid
 Tryptophan Glutamine
 Valine Glycine
 Proline
 Serine
 Tyrosine
 * Essential in certain cases
 Protein Timing
 Over the past 10 – 15 years, there has been a growing body of scientific literature that has consistently demonstrated the
 importance of ingesting protein soon after resistance exercise in order to maximize protein synthesis rates and lean mass (3,
 5, 24 – 26). In a study conducted on United States Marines during basic military training, a post-exercise protein supplement
 was compared to a non-protein containing supplement (7). At the end of the 54-day trial, researchers reported that
 the recruits ingesting the protein supplement had an average of 33% fewer total medical visits, including 28% less visits due
 to bacterial or viral infections, 37% less orthopedic related visits, and 83% less visits due to heat exhaustion. In addition,
 post-exercise muscle soreness was significantly reduced in subjects ingesting protein when compared to the control groups.
 It is important to note that most of the scientific investigations have studied protein intake in beverage form rather than
 in whole food form. Protein digestion and absorption are more rapid in the liquid state. For these digestive reasons and for
 applying the data that is in the published literature, it is recommended that athletes ingest their protein in beverage form, if
 possible.
 Protein Needs for Athletes 5
 www.nsca-lift.org
 Summary
 Protein intake for athletes continues to be an area of active research. The amount and type of protein intake is continually
 debated by athletes, nutritionists, trainers and coaches. The National Strength and Conditioning Association recommends
 athletes ingest between 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg of body weight of protein on a daily basis. The exact amount of protein intake is influenced
 by many factors, including total energy intake, protein quality, carbohydrate intake, mode and intensity of training,
 and the timing of the protein intake. The types of protein that athletes should attempt to derive their intakes are complete,
 high-quality proteins. These types of proteins are found in animal proteins (chicken, egg, beef, fish). The proteins found in
 milk (whey and casein) are two of the most scientifically studied proteins in supplemental form and are of the highest quality.
 Lastly, the timing of protein intake is also an important consideration for the athlete. Athletes should attempt to ingest
 high-quality proteins in liquid form as soon as possible following training and/or competition.
 References
 1. Campbell B, Kreider RB, Ziegenfuss T, La Bounty P, Roberts M, Burke D, Landis J, Lopez H, Antonio J. International Society of Sports Nutrition
 position stand: protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 26,4:8. 2007.
 2. Cribb PJ, Williams AD, Carey MF, and Hayes A. The effect of whey isolate and resistance training on strength, body composition, and plasma
 glutamine. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 16(5):494 – 509. 2006.
 3. Cribb PJ, Williams AD, Stathis CG, Carey MF, Hayes A: Effects of whey isolate, creatine, and resistance training on muscle hypertrophy. Medicine
 and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39(2):298 – 307. 2007.
 4. Darragh AJ and Hodgkinson SM. Quantifying the digestibility of dietary protein. Journal of Nutrition, 130:1850S – 1856S. 2000.
 5. Esmarck B, Andersen JL, Olsen S, Richter EA, Mizuno M, Kjaer M: Timing of postexercise protein intake is important for muscle hypertrophy
 with resistance training in elderly humans. Journal of Physiology, 535(Pt 1):301 – 311. 2001.
 6. Etheridge T, Philp A, Watt PW. A single protein meal increases recovery of muscle function following an acute eccentric exercise bout. Applied
 Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 33(3):483 – 8. 2008.
 7. Flakoll PJ, Judy T, Flinn K, Carr C, Flinn S. Postexercise protein supplementation improves health and muscle soreness during basic military
 training in Marine recruits. Journal of Applied Physiology, 96(3):951 – 6. 2004.
 8. Forslund AH, El-Khoury AE, Olsson RM, Sjodin AM, Hambraeus L, Young VR. Effect of protein intake and physical activity on 24-h pattern
 and rate of macronutrient utilization. American Journal of Physiology, 276(5 Pt 1):E964 – 76. 1999.
 9. Friedman JE and Lemon PW. Effect of chronic endurance exercise on retention of dietary protein. International Journal of Sports Medicine,
 10(2):118 – 123. 1989.
 Protein Needs for Athletes 6
 www.nsca-lift.org
 10. Holm L, Olesen JL, Matsumoto K, Doi T, Mizuno M, Alsted TJ, Mackey AL, Schwarz P, Kjaer M. Protein-containing nutrient supplementation
 following strength training enhances the effect on muscle mass, strength, and bone formation in postmenopausal women. Journal of Applied
 Physiology, 105(1):274 – 81. 2008.
 11. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies: Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein,
 and amino acids (macronutrients). Washington, DC , National Academies Press. 2002.
 12. Joint Position Statement: nutrition and athletic performance. American College of Sports Medicine, American Dietetic Association, and Dietitians
 of Canada. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(12):2130 – 2145. 2000.
 13. Kerksick CM, Rasmussen CJ, Lancaster SL, Magu B, Smith P, Melton C, Greenwood M, Almada AL, Earnest CP, Kreider RB. The effects of
 protein and amino acid supplementation on performance and training adaptations during ten weeks of resistance training. Journal of Strength and
 Conditioning Research, 20(3):643 – 53. 2006.
 14. Koopman R, Wagenmakers AJ, Manders RJ, Zorenc AH, Senden JM, Gorselink M, Keizer HA, van Loon LJ. Combined ingestion of protein
 and free leucine with carbohydrate increases postexercise muscle protein synthesis in vivo in male subjects. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology
 and Metabolism, 288(4):E645 – 53. 2005.
 15. Kreider, RB, Leutholtz B, Katch FI, Katch VL. Exercise and sport nutrition: Principles, promises, science, and recommendations. Santa Barbara,
 CA: Fitness Technologies Press. 2009.
 16. Lemon P. Protein requirements for strength athletes. In Sports supplements., eds. J. Antonio, J.R. Stout, 301. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams
 & Wilkins. 2001.
 17. Lemon PW, Tarnopolsky MA, MacDougall JD, Atkinson SA: Protein requirements and muscle mass/strength changes during intensive training
 in novice bodybuilders. Journal of Applied Physiology, 73(2):767 – 775. 1992.
 18. Meredith CN, Zackin MJ, Frontera WR, Evans WJ: Dietary protein requirements and body protein metabolism in endurance trained men.
 Journal of Applied Physiology, 66(6):2850 – 2856. 1989.
 19. Phillips SM, Atkinson SA, Tarnopolsky MA, MacDougall JD: Gender differences in leucine kinetics and nitrogen balance in endurance athletes.
 Journal of Applied Physiology, 75(5):2134 – 2141. 1993.
 20. Reimers K. Nutritional Factors in Health and Performance. In: Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Baechle TR and Earle RW,
 eds. Human Kinetics, pg. 208. 2008.
 21. Tang JE, Phillips SM. Maximizing muscle protein anabolism: the role of protein quality. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic
 Care, 12(1):66 – 71. 2009.
 22. Tarnopolsky M: Protein requirements for endurance athletes. Nutrition, 20(7-8):662 – 668, 2004.
 Protein Needs for Athletes 7
 www.nsca-lift.org
 23. Tarnopolsky MA, Atkinson SA, MacDougall JD, Chesley A, Phillips S, Schwarcz HP: Evaluation of protein requirements for trained strength
 athletes. Journal of Applied Physiology, 73(5):1986 – 1995. 1992.
 24. Tipton KD, Borsheim E, Wolf SE, Sanford AP, Wolfe RR: Acute response of net muscle protein balance reflects 24-h balance after exercise and
 amino acid ingestion. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism 284(1):E76 – 89. 2003.
 25. Tipton KD, Ferrando AA, Phillips SM, Doyle D Jr., Wolfe RR: Postexercise net protein synthesis in human muscle from orally administered
 amino acids. American Journal of Physiology, 276(4 Pt1):E628 – 34. 1999.
 26. Willoughby DS, Stout JR, Wilborn CD: Effects of resistance training and protein plus amino acid supplementation on muscle anabolism, mass,
 and strength. Amino Acids, 32(4):467 – 477. 2007.
 
 
  该贴已经同步到 jacky的微博 | 
 |