Dietary Protein in Support of Adaptation to Exercise: Finding the Signal in the Noise
Stuart Philips Ann Nutr Metab 2019;75(suppl 3):34
Background/Aims: Athletes engage in vigorous training that places stress on physiological systems requiring nutritional support for optimal recovery. Of paramount importance when optimizing recovery nutrition are rehydration and refueling. However, in this presentation I will highlight the benefits for dietary protein intake over and above requirements set out in various countries at 0.8–1.0 g/kg body mass (BM)/d for training adaptation, manipulating body composition and hypertrophy in athletes.
To facilitate the remodeling of protein-containing structures, which are turning over rapidly due to their training volumes, athletes with the
goal of weight maintenance or weight gain should aim for protein intakes of 1.6 g/kg BM/d. Protein intakes at this level would not
necessarily require an overemphasis on protein-containing foods, but there may be advantages to the consumption of higher quality
proteins. I will also highlight that optimal protein intakes may need to exceed 1.6 g/kg BM/d for athletes who are restricting energy intake and attempting to minimize loss of lean tissue. I will
discuss the underpinning rationale for weight loss in athletes, explaining changes in metabolic pathways that occur in response to
energy restriction when manipulating protein intake and training.
I will offer some practical advice on protein intakes that warrant consideration in allowing an optimal adaptive response for track
and field athletes seeking to train effectively and to lose fat mass while energy restricted with minimal (or no) loss of lean BM.