Contemporary Issues in Protein Requirements and Consumption for Resistance Trained Athletes

Abstract

In recent years an explosion of research papers concerning protein consumption has been published. The need to consolidate this information has become critical from both practical and future research standpoints. For this reason, the following paper presents an in depth analysis of contemporary issues in protein requirements and consumption for resistance trained athletes. Specifically, the paper covers: 1.) protein requirements for resistance trained athletes; 2.) the effect of the digestion rate of protein on muscular protein balance; 3.) the optimal timing of protein intake relative to exercise; 4.) the optimal pattern of protein ingestion, relative to how an individual should consume their protein throughout a 24 hour period, and what sources are utilized during this time frame; 5.) protein composition and its interaction with measures of protein balance and strength performance; 6.) the combination of protein and carbohydrates on plasma insulin levels and protein balance; 7.) the efficacy of protein supplements and whole food protein sources. Our goal is to provide the reader with practical information in optimizing protein intake as well as for provision of sound advice to their clients. Finally, special care was taken to provide future research implications.

Effects of resistance training associated with whey protein supplementation on liver and kidney biomarkers in rats

“…The WP supplementation groups received (gavage) their solutions (1.8 g·kg −1 ) immediately after each training session (Wilson and Wilson 2006), diluted in distilled water.…”

Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on the hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in normal birth weight and intrauterine growth-retarded weanling piglets

“…Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), a set of essential amino acids, have critical roles in protein metabolism and energy production [101112]. Among the BCAA, leucine has been the most extensively investigated due to the varied physiological roles it has in protein synthesis and degradation, stimulation of insulin secretion, and blood glucose homeostasis [131415].…”

Dietary Protein and Bone Health

“…Plant proteins are often deficient or low in some specific indispensable AAs. Soy protein is reported as a "complete" protein but its overall indispensable AA content is relatively low (~85% lower than milk) (Wilson & Wilson, 2006). Epidemiological data support a positive association between protein intake and bone health.…”