International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise

Bill Campbell1, Richard B Kreider*2, Tim Ziegenfuss3, Paul La Bounty4,
Mike Roberts5, Darren Burke6, Jamie Landis7, Hector Lopez8 and
Jose Antonio9

Address: 1Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of Physical Education and Exercise Science, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, PED 214, Tampa, FL 33620, USA, 2Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation,
Baylor University, One Bear Place 97313, Waco, TX 76798-7313, USA, 3Ohio Research Group of Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition, Wadsworth Medical Center, 323 High St, STE 103A, Wadsworth, OH 44281, USA, 4Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, One Bear Place 97313, Waco, TX 76798-7313, USA, 5Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019, USA, 6Exercise Science Laboratory, Dept. of Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University, P.O. Box 5000 Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada,
7Department of Biology, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5198, USA, 8Northwestern University
Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611,

Abstract
Position Statement: The following seven points related to the intake of protein for healthy,
exercising individuals constitute the position stand of the Society. They have been approved by the
Research Committee of the Society. 1) Vast research supports the contention that individuals
engaged in regular exercise training require more dietary protein than sedentary individuals. 2)
Protein intakes of 1.4 – 2.0 g/kg/day for physically active individuals is not only safe, but may
improve the training adaptations to exercise training. 3) When part of a balanced, nutrient-dense
diet, protein intakes at this level are not detrimental to kidney function or bone metabolism in
healthy, active persons. 4) While it is possible for physically active individuals to obtain their daily
protein requirements through a varied, regular diet, supplemental protein in various forms are a
practical way of ensuring adequate and quality protein intake for athletes. 5) Different types and
quality of protein can affect amino acid bioavailability following protein supplementation. The
superiority of one protein type over another in terms of optimizing recovery and/or training
adaptations remains to be convincingly demonstrated. 6) Appropriately timed protein intake is an
important component of an overall exercise training program, essential for proper recovery,
immune function, and the growth and maintenance of lean body mass. 7) Under certain
circumstances, specific amino acid supplements, such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAA's), may
improve exercise performance and recovery from exercise.