Protein Intake for Optimal Sports Performance

Appropriate nutritional support is important in optimizing sports performance. Adequate protein intake among athletes is imperative, given protein's various roles in supporting physical performance and recovery. The current protein recommendations for athletes are estimated to be ~1.2-2.0. g/kg body weight per day and this estimated value is higher than what is recommended for the general public. This is primarily due to the fact that protein ingestion influences physiological factors that determine physical performance such as muscle remodeling, glycogen resynthesis in certain circumstances, energy production, and maintenance of nonmuscle structural tissues. Aside from ensuring adequacy of protein intake among athletes, other factors such as quality, type, and timing are also important consideration for athletes.