Protein Fuels Sports Nutrition Growth

What the general American public is only now discovering, athletes have known for years--protein is fundamental in the development and maintenance of a strong, muscled body. It supports immune function and cellular energy and maintains the cells of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Twenty-some different amino acids serve as the building blocks for protein. Nine cannot be synthesized by the body; these “essential” amino acids must come from the diet. While animal foods are the best source of “complete” protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, some plant sources--like soy--also contribute these important components.

In the sports nutrition arena, protein powders are the major delivery method, though there has been an increase in ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and bars. Companies are even developing new delivery methods, such as gels or liquid boosts, to deliver extra protein to athletes without the extra caloric load.

While there are many protein options available on the market, the primary sources are dairy and soy. Dairy is broken into two options--casein and whey. While both have their place, whey protein is undoubtedly the favorite in the muscle-building arena.

“The gold standard in sports nutrition is whey protein,” says Robert Walker, executive director of marketing for Hauppauge, N.Y.-based Twinlab’s sports nutrition and diet/energy brands.

Whey protein is available to suppliers as concentrate (WPC) and isolate (WPI); isolates are more pure and concentrated, offering more than 90 percent protein by weight with very little fat or lactose. WPC contains between 30 percent and 90 percent protein, depending on the product. Many of the existing protein offerings deliver more than 80 percent protein, appealing to both athletes and low carb dieters alike.

One of the primary benefits of whey protein is the array of individual protein factors, each of which contributes to human health. Betalactoglobulin, for example, comprises approximately 60 percent of the protein in whey and is the fraction richest in branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Comprised of leucine, isoleucine and valine, BCAA supplementation is being studied for its ability to support long-term muscle development and growth, and avoid muscle fatigue and oxidative damage.

“There is research that the BCAAs used in a calorie-restricted diet promote weight loss while preserving muscle mass,” says Mike Kothbauer, director of sales and marketing for Land O’Lakes, a supplier of whey protein under the Perham<\#170> brand. Additionally, whey protein is absorbed quickly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is through the bloodstream in approximately two hours, making it the protein of choice for rebuilding muscle after a strenuous workout or competitive event. “Rapid digestion and quick absorption are key aspects in sports performance to preserve muscle mass,” Kothbauer adds.

Casein makes up approximately 80 percent of the protein in milk and also can serve a critical role in performance nutrition. Casein has a slower delivery time through the system, delivering its amino acid load through the bloodstream over approximately six hours. Walker points out Twinlab noted in its talks with weight trainers that many were consuming foods high in casein, such as cottage cheese, before bed to regenerate and repair muscle overnight. This led Twinlab to develop an AM/PM formula, which offers whey protein for daytime consumption and casein for the evening.

“Whey protein gives a very quick spike of amino acids to the muscle whereas caseinate gives a slower, almost timed release of amino acids,” Walker says. “There was a groundswell of interest and the product has been very well received.”

The other primary option in the protein arena is soy, which has garnered a great deal of attention for its cardiovascular benefits. As opposed to most other legumes, soy offers a protein profile similar to that of animal protein, supplying all the essential amino acids while simultaneously delivering less fat and no saturated fat.

Soy’s additional health benefits may be of particular interest to female athletes--a fast growing category. Studies have shown many female athletes are chronically energy deficient, and often have poor intakes of protein and other macronutrients that can lead to conditions such as menstrual dysfunction.