Protein intake among healthy adults undertaking regular muscle strength training

Abstract

Background: Protein is a basic macronutrient supplied to the body via food intake and one of the key dietary elements of physically-active populations. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to analyze the protein intake of healthy adults undertaking regular muscle strength training. Material and methods: This study was conducted on 168 healthy adults: 84 women (25.9 ± 6.1 years) and 84 men (25.5 ± 5.4 years) performing strength training on a regular basis (~4 times a week). Protein intake was determined using a structured questionnaire to quantify the amount, source, and frequency of protein consumed. Results: The participants declared an average daily protein intake of 153.8 ± 50.2 g, with women reporting lower intake (115.9 ± 28.3 g) than men (184.8 ± 42.2 g) (p<0.001). The main sources of protein were poultry meat, dairy products (e.g. milk, eggs), and protein supplements. 79% of participants declared using protein supplements, but no differences between women (79%) and men (80%) were found (p> 0.05). The amount of protein supplied by supplementation was, on average, 37.3 ± 21.5 g with a lesser amount reported by women (28.6 ± 13.2 g) than men (45.5 ± 24.5 g) (p<0.001). 62.9% of participants consumed supplements in the form of whey protein concentrate and 42.6% took protein supplements immediately after training. Conclusions: The study participants consumed an excess amount of protein in comparison to the recommended daily intake. Protein supplementation accounted for a ¼ of daily protein intake, most often consumed immediately after training and generally in the form of whey protein concentrate. Nutritional education is necessary to align the eating habits and supplemental intake of physically active adults, relative to strength-training demands.