PROTEIN: The Pros, Cons, and Confusion

author : Nancy Clark

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This article on protein supplements answers your questions as to the relevance of protein shakes, refueling after workouts and designer protein versus natural sources.

Copyright: Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD September 2007

Athletes who want to build muscles and recover well from workouts often feel confused by ads for protein supplements. They wonder how much and what kinds of protein they should consume—and if egg whites or chicken can do the job. The following information can help you optimize your protein intake—and your peace of mind.

Question: I want to bulk up. I've started drinking three protein shakes per day between meals. Is this enough or too much?
Answer: To determine how many protein shakes you need, you should first determine how much protein your body actually can use. You need adequate protein to enhance muscle growth; excess protein is unlikely better.

Most exercise scientists agree one gram of protein per pound of body weight is a very generous protein allowance for athletes building muscle mass. (More likely, 0.5 to 0.75 grams of protein per pound will do the job if you are eating plenty of calories—but let's be generous.) This means a novice 180-pound body builder gets more than enough protein with 180 grams of protein per day. He can easily consume that much with one quart of skim milk, two cans of tuna (i.e., two sandwiches at lunch), and one hefty (8-ounce) piece of chicken, beef or fish at dinner. Consuming protein shakes on top of this simply adds (expensive) calories. You could more wisely get the calories from carbs to fuel your workouts.

Question: Is the protein in designer shakes more effective than egg whites, tuna, chicken and other standard foods?
Answer: With names like Protein Revolution and N-Large, the commercial protein products can leave you wondering if standard foods are an equal match. Plus, ads that rave "extremely bioavailable," "no cheap protein blends," and "highest quality protein" leave the impression that tuna or milk don't quite make the grade. Doubtful.

The protein from natural foods works perfectly fine. Any animal protein is "high quality" and contains all the essential amino acids you need to build muscles. Hence, eating balanced meals and then drinking protein shakes for "high quality protein" is an outrageous concept--and it’s expensive. For the $32 you spend on a box with 12 MetRx packets, you can buy lots of powdered milk--the least expensive protein powder around. You'll get not only high quality protein, but also a complete package of life-sustaining nutrition that is perfectly balanced by Nature (remember, infants live on milk).

In an overall well-balanced diet, engineered protein offers no advantages over chicken, beef, fish, eggs, milk, and other standard protein-rich foods. As long as you have a fully functioning intestinal tract, you can stop fretting about your ability to digest or utilize protein. If advertisements lead you to believe “fast acting” whey is best, scientists suggest slowly digested casein offers a sustained release that is preferable for building muscles for the long term. (1)

Question: Should I refuel with a protein shake after my workout?
Answer: No. You should refuel with a carb shake that has a little protein. As an athlete, your body needs a foundation of carbohydrates to refuel your muscles. While about 20 to 25 grams protein after a workout optimizes muscle growth (2), consuming excess protein displaces carbs. A hard weight-workout (three sets of eight to ten reps) can reduce glycogen stores by about 35%. (3) If you train hard week after week with a low carb diet, your workouts will suffer.

For well-fueled muscles, you should target three to five grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight. If you weigh 150 lbs, that's about 150 to 200 grams of carb morning, afternoon, and evening. When you chug a can of MetRx Ready-To-Drink Meal Replacement Shake with 40 grams of protein (at cost of at least $3.60), you’ll get only 12 grams of carbs. A NesQuik chocolate milk (16 oz) would be a better bet that offer 64 grams carb for fuel and adequate protein to build muscles. If you prefer the convenience of a canned protein shake, be sure to bolster your carb intake with a banana and a wholegrain bagel as well.

Rest assured, natural proteins offer all the amino acids touted by commercial products. Here’s how two amino acids stack up:
 

In general, engineered foods lack fiber, phytochemicals, and other health-protective nutrients. No engineered food can match the complex balance of nutrients designed by Nature. Sure, you can grab a meal-in-a-can for "emergency food" on hectic days, but in the long run, real food is better.

Question: What happens if I don’t eat right after I exercise?
Answer: A study with Marines during 54 days of basic training reports that those who refueled with 100 calories of a recovery drink with ten grams of protein, eight grams of carb, and three grams of fat not only enhanced muscle protein deposition, but also reported 33% fewer total medical visits, 28% fewer visits due to bacterial and viral infections, 37% fewer visits due to muscle and joint problems, and 83% fewer visits due to heat exhaustion compared to those who drank plain water. (4) Seems amazing that just 100 calories of a recovery drink could make such a strong impact on health, muscle soreness and hydration, but the message is clear: Proper fueling at the right times is worth the effort. Don't underestimate the value of refueling soon after you exercise. Enjoy cereal with milk, fruit yogurt, a turkey sandwich, or spaghetti with meatballs. Food works! Don’t let a good sports diet be your missing link.

Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD is Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). She counsels both casual exercisers and competitive athletes in her private practice at Healthworks (617-383-6100), the premier fitness center in Chestnut Hill, MA. Her Sports Nutrition Guidebook, Food Guide for Marathoners and Cyclists' Food Guide are available at www.nancyclarkrd.com. Also see www.sportsnutritionworkshop.com. 

References

1. Ten Have, G. Engelen M, Luiking Y, and Deutz N. Absorption kinetics of amino acids, peptide and intact proteins. Int’l J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2007; 17:S23-36.

2. Phillips S, Moore D, and Tang J. A critical examination of dietary protein requirements, benefits and excesses in athletes. Int’l J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2007; 17:S58-76.

3. Martin, W, Armstrong L, Rodriquez N. Dietary protein intake and renal function. Nutr Metab (Lond). 20(2):25, 2005

4. Flakoll P, T Judy, K Flinn, C Carr, S Flinn. Postexercise protein supplementation improves health and muscle soreness during basic military training in marine recruits. J Appl Physiol 2004; 96(3):951-956.

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date: September 12, 2007