Strength Training May REDUCE Protein Requirements

[Dreamliner]

I knew that protein prescriptions were exaggerated, but this study suggests that people who strength train may need even less:

http://donmatesz.blogspot.com/2011/10/strength-training-may-reduce-protein.html

One of the implications of these and other studies is that you can save money (and calories) and drop the protein shake.

[jdrgator]

Thanks, dream!

I'd point out one thing. The study was based on novice weightlifters, and might not be generalizable to experienced weightlifters (or others that may train more intensively), plus as the authors state, their findings are at odds with other longitudinal studies of this kind as well as aligning with yet other studies.

Although even with other issues that I have with the study (or potential issues since I don't know the accepted norms of their research design), people probably do not need as much protein as they think (or as much as they ingest) but what the ideal amount still seems to be a very unsettled issue.

Oh, and it won't stop me from spending money on protein powder since I like my protein shakes, regardless of whether or not I need more protein....

[Dreamliner]

Hey, I'm the last guy to lambaste folks for eating foods they enjoy. I just think we're brainwashed about protein requirements (and the supplements industry is laughing all the way to the bank). Even seasoned lifters routinely gain muscle and strength on low protein diets, never mind high protein diets. The average man can get all the protein he needs on 900 total calories a day. And there are two studies that show adults preserving muscle mass on 800 total calories a day. It's madness.

[jdrgator]

Hey, I'm the last guy to lambaste folks for eating foods they enjoy. I just think we're brainwashed about protein requirements (and the supplements industry is laughing all the way to the bank). Even seasoned lifters routinely gain muscle and strength on low protein diets, never mind high protein diets. The average man can get all the protein he needs on 900 total calories a day. And there are two studies that show adults preserving muscle mass on 800 total calories a day. It's madness.

I'm with you on that. I think I told you this before, I stopped supplementing completely, including not taking vitamins...except, of course, protein powder, which I use in my breakfast shake. But even then, it's more for taste and calorie control (and convenience) than anything else. And often, I don't even use the powder.

Funny thing is, when I worked in the field, for about two years before I began running a health club, I sold Apex supplements as a personal trainer at a Golds gym. And, yes, for awhile, I bought completely into their whole spiel about the supposed science behind their supplements etc... But the more I became aware of the wider science, the more convinced I was that I probably didn't need supplements at all.

This study only convinces me more (thank you), even with the limitations (my apologies, but my occupation necessarily had me picking the study apart from a methodological standpoint).