Table 1 Summary: Reported functions of proteins and amino acids of interest to free living athletes.
From: Protein and Overtraining: Potential Applications for Free-Living Athletes
1. Building blocks for structural, contractile, hormonal, immune, enzymatic and other bodily proteins |
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2. Provision of kcal and contribution to muscle glycogen in a relatively carbohydrate-(insulin-) resistant state during eccentric recovery and sleep debt (complete proteins, Gln) |
3. Potentially maintained performance during an otherwise stale state (complete proteins, amino acids) |
4. Stimulation of protein synthesis in an otherwise catabolic state (Leu) |
5. Provision of oxidative fuel to skeletal muscle (Leu), as well as the gut and white blood cells during immune stress (Gln) |
6. Elevated antioxidant capacity via glutathione (complete proteins, Gln) |
7. Improved collagen synthesis and potentially wound healing (Gln) |
8. Increased nasal antibodies and/or decreased incidence of infection (Gln) |
9. Provision of concentrated nutrients to often poorly-fed athletes (animal protein foods) |
10. Defense against stress hormone exacerbations and sleep debt (Gln, alpha-lactalbumin) |