The Effect of Protein Supplements on Blood Parameters After Heavy Exercises

Abstract

It is claimed that protein taking among athletes has increased substantially. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the protein supplementation following heavy exercises on blood cells. 24 males between the ages of 19-25 were participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups randomly as the protein group (n:15) and non-protein group (n:9). For all participants, 10 repetitive weight lifting exercises were performed with 80%, 90% and 100% of the maximum weight that they could lift to the main muscle groups. All volunteers were given 1g/kg protein daily diet divided into three meals. Additionally the protein group was given 35 grams of Whey protein dissolved in 500 ml water just after dinner as being 2 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after the exercises. Blood samples of both groups were taken before exercise, after exercise, at the 24th hour, 48th hour and 72nd hour. Erythrocyte, leukocyte, platelets, hemoglobin neutrophil, lymphocyte analysis were performed. There was no significant difference between the protein group and non-protein group, but there were significant differences within both group by time. As a result, we can say that protein supplementation after heavy exercise has no effect on blood parameters.