Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:29
Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Role of protein in exercise
1Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA. rankin@cahs.colostate.edu
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|July 20, 1999
Summary
Most active individuals consume adequate protein, even exceeding the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). However, athletes in intense training and those with low energy intake may require higher protein for optimal muscle repair and performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Aerobic exercise, particularly high-intensity and long-duration, increases the body's protein utilization for energy and repair.
- Optimal protein status in strength training is achieved with intake above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), coupled with sufficient energy and resistance training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify protein intake recommendations for active individuals.
- To identify populations potentially at risk for inadequate protein intake despite physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on protein metabolism during exercise.
- Analysis of current protein consumption patterns in relation to the RDA.
- Identification of demographic and lifestyle factors influencing protein status in active individuals.
Main Results:
- Most individuals in the United States consume protein well above the RDA.
- While intense exercise increases protein needs, many active people already exceed recommended intake levels.
- Low energy intake, common in dieting individuals, the elderly, and women, poses a risk for insufficient protein intake among the active population.
Conclusions:
- The majority of active individuals do not require additional protein beyond their regular diet to meet or exceed the RDA.
- Physicians should counsel active individuals with low energy consumption, including women, dieters, and the elderly, on potential risks of inadequate protein intake.
- Focusing on overall energy balance and sufficient protein intake is crucial for maintaining optimal protein status in diverse active populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:15Protein and Protein Structure
Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
01:58Mechanical Protein Functions
Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force.
01:28Role of Proteins in the Human Body
Proteins are the building block of life. They are also the most abundant macromolecules with as many diverse roles in the body. They are part of many structural components that provide unique shapes and structures to animal cells, tissues, and organs. In addition, they also act as biological catalysts and carry out several anabolic and catabolic reactions. Notably, some proteins are chemical messengers and regulate many critical processes, such as metabolism, growth, and development. They are...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...
01:21Overview of Protein Metabolism
Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...