Why Protein requirements of athletes get increased?
Protein requirements of athletes, particularly those engaged in strength and power events, may be increased above those of sedentary people for the following reasons:
1) Amino acids are used to repair muscle trauma that results from repeated muscle contractions and the repairs Lo injuries to muscle fibres protein requirements are increased.
2) To remodel muscle tissue in response to strength .training. There is an increase in muscle bulk due to resistance training. Protein requirements of the beginner strength athletes to maintain nitrogen balance appear to be at the higher end of the range compared to that of elite strength athletes. Research shows that those who are adapted to strength training may not need a very high intake of protein.
3) Prolonged exercise increases oxidation of amino acids for fuel. Protein use as an energy substrate increases during high intensity, long duration endurance activity. Protein makes a greater contribution to total energy production during endurance exercise when muscle glycogen levels are low.
Protein intake equal to 15-20% of total calories will meet the protein requirements of most athletes. ICMR 1985 recommends 12-14% of total energy requirements and upper limit could be placed at 2 g/kg body weight.
Protein intakes above 2.0 g/kg BW do not improve strength gains compared to intakes of 1.4-1.8 g/kg BW. Consuming more protein than 2.0 g/kg BW results in increased protein oxidation, urea formation, diuresis and can increase risk for dehydration.