Protein in the form of meat

Protein

Protein in the form of meat is consumed in large quantities by athletes and men doing hard physical work. The quantity of protein needed for bringing about the highest capacity for work is probably much less than the amounts ordinarily consumed by active men. A long distance racing cyclist who was a vegetarian performed with higher gross efficiencies on a low protein diet, but had better endurance on high protein diets. 8 Another man lived for years on a diet that provided a daily intake of only about thirty grams of protein. His physical efficiency was high and severe exercise could be carried out without increasing the nitrogen excretion.

A carefully controlled study of the effect of restricted protein on men working in the heat revealed no essential change in fitness for work in either temperate or tropical environments when dietary protein was varied from 76 to 105 and 149 grams per day, although a 4 per cent higher work metabolism was associated with the highest protein intake.

To summarize, the dietary protein intake of the athlete may vary widely (75 to 150 grams daily) without any noticeable effect upon performance of intermittent (speed) activities. Where work is prolonged (endurance), higher intakes of dietary protein accompanying higher calorie diets may be beneficial.