Nutrition

INTRODUCTION

My project is about the dietary protein requirements of physically active individuals. Exercise and/or physical activity can cause up to a ten-fold increase in whole body energy expenditure. Adequate replenishment of these depleted energy stores along with overall nutritional status dramatic effects on the nutritional requirements of the individual. This research project will focus on the unique aspects of protein requirements of individuals engaged in regular physical exercise.

BACKGROUND

To determine an athlete's protein needs one must take in consideration the sport or training and daily nutrient intake of the athlete. Most athletes take in sufficient protein in their daily diet.1-2 Various studies have shown that strength-trained athletes habitually consume protein intakes higher than required.3 Given sufficient energy intake, such as in a rich carbohydrate diet, lean body mass can be maintained with a wide range of protein intake.4 There is limited evidence for harmful effects of a high protein intake, yet some sources state that is could cause possible kidney malfunction Ð'- strain on the kidneys and dehydration must be prevented.5 Other effects of excess dietary protein include mineral losses. Calcium is loss because sulfur containing amino acids attract calcium. Calcium supplement is beneficial. Another effect is heart disease. Foods that are high in protein are usually high in cholesterol and fat intake.6 With this uncertainty, if muscle enhancement is the goal, a higher protein intake added to an athlete's overall dietary requirements may be beneficial. However, one can only speculate on how much grams of protein consist in a rich protein diet. The recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.7 Current literature suggests that it may be too simplistic to rely on recommendations of a particular amount of protein per day.7 Other studies argue that for any given amount of protein, the metabolic response is dependent on other factors, such as the timing of protein ingestion in relation to an activity and other nutrients taken in a diet.1 In regards to additional supplemental intake of protein, studies have shown that it does not increase endurance or strength.8 This is so due to the fact that athletes usually meet the recommended dietary allowance for protein in their daily diets. Companies distributing supplemental protein are trying to feed off of consumers who want the edge in their respected sport.8 Supplemental protein can be used when recommended daily requirements are not meet, such as in vegetarians.

SIGNIFICANCE

I took on this project to inform myself and the University of Houston baseball team of the recommended daily allowance for protein. I wanted to further understand the effects of taking too much protein and the harm it could cause. I wanted to show the importance of a proper well balanced diet in relation to training being exercised. As a member of the University of Houston baseball team, I was my own gatekeeper. I was able to personally interview twenty random baseball players from the University of Houston team. To begin, I made sure to ask each individual to describe a typical