Pushing protein to athletes is a multibillion dollar industry, but athletes may not get all the answers they seek from supplement companies. This article will review the current science on protein recommendations for athletes by answering their most frequently asked questions. The research on protein needs before exercise and during exercise, the best protein source, protein’s effect on weight management, the timing and distribution of protein, and supplements will be reviewed to provide athletes with a “bottom line” answer.
Christine Rosenbloom, PhD, RDN, CSSD, FAND, is professor emerita of nutrition at Georgia State University, Atlanta. She currently consults with athletes of all ages through her business, Chris Rosenbloom Food and Nutrition Services, LLC. She is editor-in-chief of Sports Nutrition: A Manual for Professionals (5th ed, 2012), published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as their online Sports Nutrition Care Manual.
Dr Rosenbloom is a member of the speaker’s bureau for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and a research report writer for Unilever.
Correspondence: Christine Rosenbloom, PhD, RDN, CSSD, FAND, 179 Honeysuckle Ln, Hartwell, GA 30643 ( chrisrosenbloom@gmail.com).
