Human Performance Enhancement in Sports and Exercise: Nutritional Factors - Protein.

Abstract

For years there has been tremendous debate by sports nutritionist over the question - "Do men and women who are athletes need more protein in their daily diet than non-athletic individuals?" Research over the last few decades has provided evidence to answer that question with a "yes". The protein needs of both strength and endurance athletes can be approximately 1.5 to 2.0 times higher than the present adult recommended dietary allowance (0.8 grams dietary protein per kilogram of body mass per day). The exact amount is depended upon a variety factors; such as, type-mode of exercise, intensity-duration of exercise, gender, whether someone is a vegetarian, age, and health. This article discusses the recommendations for the daily protein needs of athletes and those factors that need to be considered by athletes and their coaches with respect to amino acid - protein consumption in an attempt to improve exercise performance.