Protein for Athletes
Athletes’ interest in the association between protein intake and sports performance dates back to ancient Greek times.
Proteins continue to capture the attention of modern day athletes in regards to recovery, fat loss and adaptation to the training stimulus, or influencing muscle size and strength. Proteins and the amino acids they are built from are found in a wide variety of both animal and plant foods.
By consuming dietary protein we obtain the building blocks to make a range of body proteins with essential structural (e.g. muscles) and functional roles (e.g. immune cells and hormones). Protein can also be used as an energy source, particularly when carbohydrate reserves are low.
