Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of egg white protein compared to carbohydrate intake prior to exercise on fat free mass (FFM), one repetition maximum (1RM) muscle strength and blood biochemistry in female athletes. Thirty healthy female collegiate athletes were recruited for this study and matched by sport type, body fat percentage and 1RM leg curl muscle strength. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: protein group (15.0 g egg white protein; 75 kcal) and carbohydrate group (17.5 g maltodextrin, 78 kcal). Supplements were administered daily at the same time in a double-blind manner prior to training during an 8-week period. Measurements were performed before and after the 8-week regimen. The mean dietary energy intake did not change throughout the study period. FFM and 1RM assessments (i.e., leg curl, leg extension, squat, and bench press) increased in both groups. Furthermore, serum urea and serum citrulline levels after the 8-week regimen increased significantly only in the protein group. Our findings indicated that compared to the carbohydrate supplement, the protein supplement was associated with some changes in protein metabolites but not with changes in body composition or muscle strength.
Highlights
Protein intake is an important component of body building, and together with additional supplements, is highly recommended for regular strength training
The only time × group interaction effect in dietary intakes was for protein intake, but there were no interactions for energy or carbohydrate intake (Table 2)
Energy and carbohydrate intakes remained unchanged in both groups, and the egg white protein supplementation resulted in significant increase in a daily protein intake in the Prot group up to
Summary
Protein intake is an important component of body building, and together with additional supplements (i.e., creatine and amino acids), is highly recommended for regular strength training. Several reports describe how whey protein and amino acid supplementation increases muscle protein synthesis at rest [3,4] and after resistance training (RT) [5] Josse et al [6] evaluated the effects of milk and carbohydrate consumption during whole body RT in healthy women and whether or not such intake resulted in greater muscle mass accretion and muscle strength. They concluded that milk supplementation during RT effectively promoted changes in body composition. There is a lack of reports in the field that explore such effects in female athletes
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