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. However, 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 scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop 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 modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance. 1. Committee Overview -- 2. Responses To Questions, Conclusions, And Recommendations -- 3. Protein And Amino Acids: Physiological Optimization For Current And Future Military Operational Scenarios / Karl E. Friedl -- 4. Overview Of Garrison, Field, And Supplemental Protein Intake By U.s. Military Personnel / Alana D. Cline And John P. Warber -- 5. Energy Costs Of Protein Metabolism: Lean And Mean On Uncle Sam's Team / Dennis M. Bier -- 6. Regulation Of Muscle Mass And Function: Effects Of Aging And Hormones / Niels Moller And K. Sreekumaran Nair -- 7. Effects Of Protein Intake On Renal Function And On The Development Of Renal Disease / Mackenzie Walser -- 8. Infection And Injury: Effects On Whole Body Protein Metabolism / Douglas W. Wilmore -- 9. Inherent Difficulties In Defining Amino Acid Requirements / D. Joe Millward -- 10. Amino Acid Flux And Requirements: Counterpoint Tentative Estimates Are Feasible And Necessary / Vernon R. Young -- 11. Physical Exertion, Amino Acid And Protein Metabolism, And Protein Requirements / Michael J. Rennie -- 12. Skeletal Muscle Markers / Dympna Gallagher, Steven B. Heymsfield And Zi-mian Wang -- 13. Alterations In Protein Metabolism Due To The Stress Of Injury And Infection / Robert R. Wolfe -- 14. Amino Acid And Protein Requirements: Cognitive Performance, Stress, And Brain Function / Harris R. Lieberman -- 15. Supplementation With Branched-chain Amino Acids, Glutamine, And Protein Hydrolysates: Rationale For Effects On Metabolism And Performance / Anton J.m. Wagenmakers -- 16. Dietary Supplements Aimed At Enhancing Performance: Efficacy And Safety Considerations / Timothy J. Maher -- App. A. Workshop Agenda -- App. B. Biographical Sketches -- App. C. Acronyms And Abbreviations -- App. D. Proteins And Amino Acids -- A Selected Bibliography -- App. E. Protein And Energy Content Of Selected Operational Rations. Committee On Military Nutrition Research, Committee On Body Composition, Nutrition And Health, Food And Nutrition Board, Institute Of Medicine. This Report Was Produced Under Grant Damd17-94-j-4046 Between The National Academy Of Sciences And The U.s. Army Medical Research And Materiel Command--t.p. Verso. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. 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.