Protein supplementation and athlete performance

To optimize athletic performance and enhance recovery from high intensity training,the competitive athlete needs to ensure adequate energy and protein consumption.Differences in protein requirements for athletes, non-athletes and different types ofathletes (i.e., endurance vs. strength/power) are well acknowledged. This has resulted inmany athletes using protein supplements as a means of achieving their recommendedprotein intake and often to exceed the recommended amounts. In the past few years, anumber of studies have focused on whether the timing of protein ingestion as it relates toa workout enhances protein synthesis and muscle recovery. This chapter focuses onprotein requirements for different types of athletes and whether protein timing providesany advantage on affecting performance gains and recovery.