Table 2

Suggestions regarding protein during sports nutrition counseling

1. Consider that the necessary control variables in research settings may make application to your client inappropriate.

2. Recognize that both timing and total intake matter.

3. Use caution not to fall prey to "protein counter-culture", despite the occasional overzealous athlete. Evidence-based practice requires objectivity.

4. Consider that eccentric muscle trauma and underlying injury(-ies) increase energy demands and could make an apparently adequate kcal intake actually deficient.

5. Remain aware of under-reporting on diet records and lack of dietary compensation to new energy expenditures.

6. Remain cognizant that injuries and eating disorders may be concealed by an athlete.

7. Appreciate that the unique psychological motivators of athletes require a unique counseling perspective.

Lowery and Forsythe Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2006 3:42   doi:10.1186/1550-2783-3-1-42