Abstract
The protein requirement in athletes increases as a result of exercise-induced changes in protein metabolism. In addition, the frequency, quantity, and quality (i.e., leucine content) of the protein intake modulates the protein metabolism. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether nutritional practice (particularly, protein and amino acid intake at each eating occasion) meets the protein needs required to achieve zero nitrogen balance in elite swimmers during a training camp. Eight elite swimmers (age 21.9 ± 2.3 years, body weight 64.2 ± 7.1 kg, sex M:2 F:6) participated in a four-day study. The nitrogen balance was calculated from the dietary nitrogen intake and urinary nitrogen excretion. The amino acid intake was divided over six eating occasions. The nitrogen balance was found to be positive (6.7 ± 3.1 g N/day, p < 0.05) with protein intake of 2.96 ± 0.74 g/kg/day. The frequency and quantity of leucine and the protein intake were met within the recommended range established by the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Thus, a protein intake of 2.96 g/kg/day with a well-designated pattern (i.e., frequency throughout the day, as well as quantity and quality) of protein and amino acid intake may satisfy the increased need for protein in an elite swimmer.
Highlights
Dietary protein has essential roles in optimal exercise-induced adaptation and recovery from exercise [1]
An increased availability of amino acids increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) synergistically with exercise [2], and leads to a positive net protein balance [3]
The data from one subject was excluded from analysis as a result of failure to collect a urine sample
Summary
Dietary protein has essential roles in optimal exercise-induced adaptation and recovery from exercise [1]. As the need for amino acids during the recovery phase are modulated by the type or duration of exercise, as well as the training status of athletes [1,6,7,8,9], a pattern of protein consumption should be optimized according to the nature of exercise and the subjects’ characteristics. An athlete’s protein requirements are based on studies carried out in endurance exercise (i.e., running or cycling) [6,10,11] or resistance exercise [6,7,11]. Swimming is a sport that demands technical skills and specific physical features (i.e., muscle power and endurance capacity with anaerobic and aerobic fuel systems). Special adjustments are needed to meet the nutritional needs after swimming, according to these different conditions
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