Protein & endurance athletes

Protein acts as a structural component of all cells and muscle tissues as well as hormones, immune cells and enzymes. This in turn supports muscle contraction and movement, the formation of haemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body, facilitates chemical reactions during digestion, supports the regulation and expression of genetic information and helps support immune function. Consuming protein throughout the day and following a training session helps to support the demands of training and repair damaged muscle tissue by maximising muscle protein synthesis. Meeting daily protein requirements also helps to maintain a healthy weight or promote weight loss and preserve lean muscle mass. Endurance athletes should consume in the range of 1.4-1.8g protein per kg body weight per day.