Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the changes in endurance performance and metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory markers induced by endurance stress (marathon race) in a combined strategy of training and dietary protein supplementation. The study was designed as a randomised controlled trial consisting of regular endurance training without and with a daily intake of a soy protein-based supplement over a three-month period in 2 × 15 (10 males and 5 females per group) endurance-trained adults. Body composition (body mass, BMI, and fat mass) was determined, and physical fitness was measured by treadmill ergometry at baseline and after 3 months of intervention; changes in exercise-induced stress and inflammatory markers (CK, myoglobin, interleukin-6, cortisol, and leukocytes) were also determined before and after a marathon competition; eating behaviour was documented before and after intervention by a three-day diet diary. Although no significant influence on endurance performance was observed, the protein supplementation regime reduced the exercise-induced muscle stress response. Furthermore, a protein intake of ≥20% of total energy intake led to a lower-level stress reaction after the marathon race. In conclusion, supplementary protein intake may influence exercise-induced muscle stress reactions by changing cellular metabolism and inflammatory pathways.
Highlights
Published: 24 August 2021It is well accepted that nutrition is a limiting factor in human performance and that athletes should ensure that they meet their daily energy needs to balance their requirements for energy expenditure [1]
Authors have suggested that protein intake during or immediately after exercise may induce an ergogenic effect on endurance performance, preferably in combination with the intake of carbohydrates as the first-choice energy supply [2,6,7,8]
The study was designed as an experimental randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine the effects of a proteinrich supplementation regime across a 3-month training period on the endurance performance and training adaptation, evaluated with a marathon race at the end of the intervention compared to a control group
Summary
Published: 24 August 2021It is well accepted that nutrition is a limiting factor in human performance and that athletes should ensure that they meet their daily energy needs to balance their requirements for energy expenditure [1]. Independent of total energy intake, the specific timing and macronutrient composition of energy intake throughout the day has the potential to modulate the body’s adaptation to exercise [2]. Macronutrient composition should be adapted to the regularly performed training or sport modality since different sports have different energetic and nutritional requirements [3]. Authors have suggested that protein intake during or immediately after exercise may induce an ergogenic effect on endurance performance, preferably in combination with the intake of carbohydrates as the first-choice energy supply [2,6,7,8]. There remains no consensus on whether the metabolic and systemic effects of proteins is a consequence of providing extra energy or rather, may be a specific benefit regarding the protein source as well as to the intake of biological
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