Topic: At Workout's End

[Shaun Le Conte]

Sjaak I like that the article's authors are from McMaster University :)

Here's another article written by Peter Lemon of the University of Western Ontario which is the school nearest to my home and one of the universities where I studied. The article below references the article that you linked. I actually haven't read it yet - don't have time the heat is on at work but will read it myself asap.

Abstract:
 
There has been debate among athletes and nutritionists regarding dietary protein needs for centuries. Although contrary to traditional belief, recent scientific information collected on physically active individuals tends to indicate that regular exercise increases daily protein requirements; however, the precise details remain to be worked out. Based on laboratory measures, daily protein requirements are increased by perhaps as much as 100% vs. recommendations for sedentary individuals (1.6–1.8 vs. 0.8 g/kg). Yet even these intakes are much less than those reported by most athletes. This may mean that actual requirements are below what is needed to optimize athletic performance, and so the debate continues. Numerous interacting factors including energy intake, carbohydrate availability, exercise intensity, duration and type, dietary protein quality, training history, gender, age, timing of nutrient intake and the like make this topic extremely complex. Many questions remain to be resolved. At the present time, substantial data indicate that the current recommended protein intake should be adjusted upward for those who are physically active, especially in populations whose needs are elevated for other reasons, e.g., growing individuals, dieters, vegetarians, individuals with muscle disease-induced weakness and the elderly. For these latter groups, specific supplementation may be appropriate, but for most North Americans who consume a varied diet, including complete protein foods (meat, eggs, fish and dairy products), and sufficient energy the increased protein needs induced by a regular exercise program can be met in one’s diet.

full text: http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/19/suppl_5/513S   
PDF file available

[Jack]

Thanks for posting Shaun!

The article seems to stress a higher protein intake rate than 1 gram per kg bodyweight per day, but read the final line:

An honorarium was provided for support of this manuscript by the Egg Nutrition Center.

Received June 1, 2000.

Sjaak

[Shaun Le Conte]

Being funded by egg lobbyists does not necessarily mean that the research is not legitimate. Research has to be funded so of course the funding is going to be coming from some group with a stake in nutrition.

[Jack]

Yes, you're right. I noticed it especially since I'm reading "No Logo". Otherwise I'd've read right over it.

Sjaak

[Shaun Le Conte]

I am reading a book by the same Canadian author, Naomi Klein - her latest.

I will look for more information regarding protein requirements aside from the two studies we have linked.

[Andy Dick]

Sjaak, your article stated "Lean body mass (density) was maintained in bodybuilders consuming 1.05 g protein.kg-1.day-1."  So would you say it seems consistent to what I was doing that if I wanted to increase my lean body mass more may be needed?  They found that 1.05g was sufficient for maintenance they said nothing about increasing.  As far as strength gains go it is hard to say when I was a 77kg lifter I was snatching around 70kg and clean and jerking around 105ish.  Then I started moving up because I was told that as tall as I am I should be 94 lifter.  Now I am sitting at about the top of 85kg with a snatch of 87.5 and clean and jerk of 115.  Snatch obviously being held back by technique because I can get under 90 easily I just cant steady it enough to not drop it forward.  It is hard to say because I really have no coach that can help with me in technique in person, it has to be done by video, so I fell I am unable to reach my full potential because of technique flaws.

I will have to say though that yesterday I only took 2 shakes 1 before and 1 after workout and felt fine in my workout, as far as strength and energy.  Now I was at a reduced intensity: snatch (3x2) 77.5kg, snatch pulls (3x3) 92.5kg, I also snuck a few sets of incline in there also but nothing huge, so we will have to see.

[Jack]

Andy, you make good points, about the maintenance vs. increasing, and your length vs. bodyweight. I should probably be a super at 178 cm.    Your latest adjustment in eating was obviously a good one, never give up, and you'll find the right formula for you. I do still think one should not force either bodyweight or eating too much, too quickly.

Sjaak

[Jack]

Shaun, I've just recieved "The Shock Doctrine" in the mail. Have yet to start reading it.

Sjaak