The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. The evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military personnel about issues related to nutrition and performance. Soldiers face many stressors during combat, including unique nutritional demands. Of particular concern is the role of dietary protein in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance.

The first part of this book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The rest of the book contains papers by the workshop speakers on such topics as the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function; alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection; the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and physiological modulators; and efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.