Commentary

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise

Bill Campbell¹ , Richard B Kreider² , Tim Ziegenfuss³ , Paul La Bounty⁴ , Mike Roberts⁵ , Darren Burke⁶ , Jamie Landis⁷ , Hector Lopez⁸ and Jose Antonio⁹

¹  Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of Physical Education and Exercise Science, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, PED 214, Tampa, FL 33620, USA

²  Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, One Bear Place 97313, Waco, TX 76798-7313, USA

³  Ohio Research Group of Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition, Wadsworth Medical Center, 323 High St, STE 103A, Wadsworth, OH 44281, USA

⁴  Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, One Bear Place 97313, Waco, TX 76798-7313, USA

⁵  Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019, USA

⁶  Exercise Science Laboratory, Dept. of Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University, P.O. Box 5000 Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada

⁷  Department of Biology, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5198, USA

⁸  Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

⁹  Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University, 2912 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314, USA

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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2007, 4:8doi:10.1186/1550-2783-4-8

Published:	26 September 2007

Abstract

Position Statement

The following seven points related to the intake of protein for healthy, exercising individuals constitute the position stand of the Society. They have been approved by the Research Committee of the Society. 1) Vast research supports the contention that individuals engaged in regular exercise training require more dietary protein than sedentary individuals. 2) Protein intakes of 1.4 – 2.0 g/kg/day for physically active individuals is not only safe, but may improve the training adaptations to exercise training. 3) When part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, protein intakes at this level are not detrimental to kidney function or bone metabolism in healthy, active persons. 4) While it is possible for physically active individuals to obtain their daily protein requirements through a varied, regular diet, supplemental protein in various forms are a practical way of ensuring adequate and quality protein intake for athletes. 5) Different types and quality of protein can affect amino acid bioavailability following protein supplementation. The superiority of one protein type over another in terms of optimizing recovery and/or training adaptations remains to be convincingly demonstrated. 6) Appropriately timed protein intake is an important component of an overall exercise training program, essential for proper recovery, immune function, and the growth and maintenance of lean body mass. 7) Under certain circumstances, specific amino acid supplements, such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAA's), may improve exercise performance and recovery from exercise.