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OBJECTIVES: Determine the association of total protein, type of protein (animal, plant) and leucine intakes with grip strength in adults using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. METHODS: Data from NHANES 2011–2014 for subjects 19+ years were used with exclusions for pregnant and lactating females. Intakes of total protein (TP), animal protein, (AP, including dairy), plant protein (PP) and leucine (Leu) were determined using day one 24-h dietary recall data after adjusting for complex sample design of NHANES. Regression analyses were used to assess association of protein and leucine intake quartiles with grip strength in adults 19+ years (N = 9214), 19–50 years (N = 5091), and 51+ years (N = 4123) with adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity. Additionally, regression analyses were used to assess whether consuming ≥20 g of protein at meals and snacks was related to grip strength. P

OBJECTIVES: Following dietary recommendations should ensure adequate consumption of essential nutrients, including key nutrients that tend to be underconsumed. The objective of this analysis was to determine if Americans are meeting nutrient needs, especially for shortfall nutrients, as defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, by assessing average food intakes with data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013–2016. METHODS: Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data from children age 2–18 years (n = 5670) and adults age 19–99 years (n = 10,112) participating in NHANES 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 were analyzed using day one sample weights. Usual intake of nutrients was determined using the National Cancer Institute method with two dietary recalls. The percentage of population with inadequate (intake below the Estimated Average Requirement) or sufficient (intakes above the Adequate Intake, AI) intake of shortfall nutrients was determined using the cut-point method. With iron, the probability method was used instead. RESULTS: Nearly half of the population does not consume adequate calcium (47.4 ± 1.8% children; 44.5 ± 1.1% adults). Even more of the population does not consume enough vitamin D (93.7 ± 0.8% children; 94.8 ± 0.5% adults). Non-Hispanic black children and adults had higher rates of inadequate calcium and vitamin D consumption than other ethnic groups. Large proportions of the population also do not consume enough magnesium (36.2 ± 1.4% children; 53.3 ± 1.2% adults), vitamin A (23.8 ± 2.0% children; 45.5 ± 1.1% adults), vitamin C (22.6 ± 1.6% children; 48.3 ± 1.3% adults) or vitamin E (67.2 ± 1.3% children; 79.0 ± 1.3% adults). Approximately 2.95 ± 0.47% children and 6.02 ± 0.30% adults had inadequate iron intake. Only a small proportion of children and adults consumed more dietary fiber and potassium than the AI for their age groups. Additionally, 20.0 ± 1.1% children and 8.31 ± 0.73% adults had choline intake above the AI. CONCLUSIONS: Large percentages of American children and adults do not meet recommendations for underconsumed “nutrients of public health concern” or shortfall nutrients. Encouraging children and adults to consume nutrient-rich foods, such as dairy, fruits and vegetables, can help close these gaps. FUNDING SOURCES: National Dairy Council.

Background: The effects of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation during moderate steady state (ie, endurance) exercise on postexercise skeletal muscle metabolism are not well described, and the potential role of supplemental leucine on muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and associated molecular responses remain to be elucidated. Objective: This randomized crossover study examined whether EAA supplementation with 2 different concentrations of leucine affected post–steady state exercise MPS, whole-body protein turnover, and mammalian target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) intracellular signaling. Design: Eight adults completed 2 separate bouts of cycle ergometry [60 min, 60% VO2peak (peak oxygen uptake)]. Isonitrogenous (10 g EAA) drinks with different leucine contents [leucine-enriched (L)EAA, 3.5 g leucine; EAA, 1.87 g leucine] were consumed during exercise. MPS and whole-body protein turnover were determined by using primed continuous infusions of [ 2 H5]phenylalanine and [1- 13 C]leucine. Multiplex and immunoblot analyses were used to quantify mTORC1 signaling. Results: MPS was 33% greater (P , 0.05) after consumption of L-EAA (0.08 6 0.01%/h) than after consumption of EAA (0.06 6 0.01%/h). Whole-body protein breakdown and synthesis were lower (P , 0.05) and oxidation was greater (P , 0.05) after consumption of L-EAA than after consumption of EAA. Regardless of dietary treatment, multiplex analysis indicated that Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation were increased (P , 0.05) 30 min after exercise. Immunoblot analysis indicated that phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase increased (P , 0.05) and phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 decreased (P , 0.05) after exercise but was not affected by dietary treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest that increasing the concentration of leucine in an EAA supplement consumed during steady state exercise elicits a greater MPS response during recovery. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01366924. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.017061.

Changes in plasma lipid and apolipoprotein profiles were evaluated in 12 healthy, unfit subjects (VO(2peak) 39.1+/-2.8 ml.kg(-1).min(-1); 5 women, 7 men) at baseline and following endurance exercise training. The exercise protocol consisted of a 6-week endurance exercise training program (4-5 days week(-1); 60 min.session(-1); > or =65% HR(max)). Subjects were randomly assigned to consume an egg- (n=6; 12 eggs.week(-1)) or no-egg (n=6; 0 eggs.week(-1))-based, eucaloric, standardized diet for 8 weeks. Both diets were macronutrient balanced [60% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 10% protein (0.8 g.kg(-1).day(-1))] and individually designed for weight maintenance. Plasma lipids were measured twice within the same week at baseline and following exercise training. At baseline, subjects were normolipidemic with values of 163.9+/-41.8, 84.8+/-36.7, 60.6+/-15.4 and 93.1+/-52 mg dl(-1) for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, respectively. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyze diet and exercise effects and interactions. In both groups, endurance exercise training resulted in a significant 10% increase in HDL-C (P

Purpose: This study examined how a high-protein diet affected nitrogen balance and protein turnover during an exercise-induced energy deficit. Methods: Twenty-two men completed a 4-d (D1-4) baseline period (BL) of an energy balance diet while maintaining usual physical activity level, followed by 7 d (D5-11) of 1000 kcal[middle dot]d-1 increased energy expenditure via exercise (50-65% V[spacing dot above]O2peak). One group consumed 0.9 g of protein per kilogram per day and maintained energy balance throughout the 11-d intervention (BAL, N = 8). The other two groups consumed their BL energy intake throughout the 11 days, resulting in a 7-d, 1000-kcal[middle dot]d-1 energy deficit. These groups consumed either 0.9 g of protein per kilogram per day (DEF, N = 7) or 1.8 g of protein per kilogram per day (DEF-HP, N = 7). Mean nitrogen balance (NB), calculated per kilogram of fat-free mass (FFM), was determined for BL, days 5-8 (EX1), and days 9-11 (EX2). Whole-body protein turnover was derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine kinetics assessed while fasting at rest on days 4, 7, and 12, using a priming dose of L-[ring-15N]tyrosine and a 4-h, primed, continuous infusion of L-[15N]phenylalanine and L-[ring-2H4]tyrosine. Results: DEF experienced a decrease in NB from BL to EX 1 that was maintained in EX 2. No changes in NB occurred for BAL or DEF-HP over time. No within- or between-group differences were found over time for Phe flux (Qp), conversion rate of Phe to Tyr (Qpt), or the derived protein synthesis value (Sp). Conclusion: Increased dietary protein maintained NB during exercise-induced energy deficit, but this did not impact resting whole-body protein turnover

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of dietary factors and exercise-associated factors on the response of IGF-I and its binding proteins (IGFBPs) during a period of increased physical activity. Twenty-nine men completed a 4-day ( days 1–4) baseline period of a controlled energy balanced diet while maintaining their normal physical activity level followed by 7 days ( days 5–11) of a 1,000 kcal/day increase in physical activity above their normal activity levels. Two subject groups, one sedentary (Sed, mean V̇o2peak: 39 ml·kg−1·min−1, n = 7) and one fit (FIT1, mean V̇o2peak: 56 ml·kg−1·min−1, n = 8) increased energy intake to maintain energy balance throughout the 7-day intervention. In two other fit subject groups (FIT2, n = 7 and FIT3, n = 7), energy intake remained at baseline resulting in a 1,000 kcal/day exercise-induced energy deficit. Of these, FIT2 received an adequate protein diet (0.9 g/kg), and FIT3 received a high-protein diet (1.8 g/kg). For all four groups, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and the acid labile subunit (ALS) were significantly decreased by day 11 (27 ± 4%, 10 ± 2%, and 19 ± 4%, respectively) and IGFBP-2 significantly increased by 49 ± 21% following day 3. IGFBP-1 significantly increased only in the two negative energy balance groups, FIT2 (38 ± 6%) and FIT3 (46 ± 8%). Differences in initial fitness level and dietary protein intake did not alter the IGF-I system response to an acute increase in physical activity. Decreases in IGF-I were observed during a moderate increase in physical activity despite maintaining energy balance, suggesting that currently unexplained exercise-associated mechanisms, such as increased energy flux, regulate IGF-I independent of energy deficit.

The current investigation examined the effect of variations in protein intake on Whole body protein turnover (WBPTO) at rest in endurance-trained males. Whole body protein turnover is influenced by both diet and exercise. Whether endurance athletes require more protein than the non-exerciser remains equivocal. Five male runners (21.3 +/- 0.3 years, 179 +/- 2 cm, 70.6 +/- 0.1 kg, 8.7% +/- 0.4% body fat, 70.6 +/- 0.1 VO(2)max) participated in a randomized, crossover design diet intervention where they consumed either a low-protein (LP; 0.8 g/kg), moderate-protein (MP; 1.8 g/kg), or high-protein (HP; 3.6 g/kg) diet for 3 weeks. Whole body protein turnover (Ra, leucine rate of appearance; NOLD, nonoxidative leucine disposal; and Ox, leucine oxidation), nitrogen balance, and substrate oxidation were assessed at rest following each dietary intervention period. The HP diet increased leucine Ra (indicator of protein breakdown; 136.7 +/- 9.3, 129.1 +/- 7.4, and 107.8 +/- 3.1 micromol/[kg . h] for HP, MP, and LP diets, respectively) and leucine Ox (31.0 +/- 3.6, 26.2 +/- 4.3, and 18.3 +/- 0.6 micromol/[kg . h] for HP, MP, and LP diets, respectively) compared with LP diet (P < .05). No differences were noted in nonoxidative leucine disposal (an indicator of protein synthesis) across diets. Nitrogen balance was greater for HP diet than for MP and LP diets (10.2 +/- 0.7, 1.8 +/- 0.6, and -0.3 +/- 0.5 for HP, MP, and LP diets, respectively). Protein oxidation increased with increasing protein intake (54% +/- 6%, 25% +/- 1%, and 14% +/- 2% for HP, MP, and LP diets, respectively). Findings from this study show that variations in protein intake can modulate WBPTO and that protein intake approximating the current recommended dietary allowance was not sufficient to achieve nitrogen balance in the endurance-trained males in this investigation. Our results suggest that a protein intake of 1.2 g/kg or 10% of total energy intake is needed to achieve a positive nitrogen balance. This is not a concern for most endurance athletes who routinely consume protein at or above this level.

This study aims to characterize the relationship between increased protein intake and hydration indexes. Five men participated in a 12-week, randomized, crossover, controlled diet intervention study. Subjects consumed eucaloric diets containing 3.6 (high protein), 1.8 (moderate protein), and 0.8 (low protein) g/kg/day of protein for 4 weeks each. Energy intakes were based on requirements established relative to resting energy expenditure and activity at baseline. Assessments included blood urea nitrogen, plasma osmolality, urine-specific gravity, and estimates of fluid balance. Repeated-measures analyses of variance and paired t tests were used to determine effects of treatment and time. Fluid intake and fluid balance were unaffected. Blood urea nitrogen was higher for high protein vs low protein and vs moderate protein, and urine-specific gravity was higher for high protein vs moderate protein. Baseline plasma osmolality was greater for high protein vs low protein and vs moderate protein. The effect of increasing dietary protein on fluid status was minimal.

Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes, affects over one-third of American adults and accounts for billions of dollars in health care costs annually. Current evidence indicates an inverse association between consumption of dairy foods and risk of CMS and its related disease outcomes. Although the specific mechanism(s) underlying the beneficial effects of dairy consumption on the development of CMS, CVD, and type 2 diabetes have not been fully elucidated, there is evidence that specific components within dairy such as milkfat, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and whey proteins may be individually or collectively involved. Specifically, each of these dairy components has been implicated as having a neutral or beneficial effect on one or more elements of CMS, including the serum lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and body composition. Although several mechanisms have been identified by which components in dairy may beneficially affect symptoms associated with CMS, further research is required to better understand how dairy and its components may contribute to metabolic health. The purpose of this review is to present the mechanisms by which specific dairy components modulate risk factors for CMS and identify opportunities for future research.

The effect of a 4-wk aerobic exercise training program (30-45 min, 3-5 d/wk, >or=65% maximal heart rate) on mixed skeletal muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR), fractional breakdown rate (FBR), and net protein balance (FSR - FBR) (NET) was examined in 8 healthy, previously unfit men and women [21.0+/- 0.4 y, 163.7+/- 4.4 cm, 75.6+/- 5.7 kg, 33.5+/- 4.1% body fat, VO(2 peak) 38.6+/- 2.3 mL/(kg.min)] fed eucaloric diets providing 0.85 g protein/(kg.d) for the 6-wk study. Measurements were made at baseline after 2 wk of diet intervention only, and after 4 wk of aerobic exercise training and diet intervention. Primed continuous infusions of ring-[(2)H(5)]-phenylalanine (2 micromol/kg; 0.05 micromol/(kg.min) and [(15)N]-phenylalanine (2 micromol/kg; 0.05 micromol/(kg.min) were used to assess skeletal muscle protein turnover at rest via the precursor-product method. Endurance training improved cardiovascular fitness, with a significant increase in VO(2 peak) (P

This investigation evaluated the physiological impact of different dietary protein intakes on skeletal muscle protein synthesis postexercise in endurance runners. Five endurance-trained, male runners participated in a randomized, crossover design diet intervention, where they consumed either a low (0.8 g/kg; LP)-, moderate (1.8 g/kg; MP)-, or high (3.6 g/kg; HP)-protein diet for 4 wk. Diets were designed to be eucaloric with carbohydrate, fat, and protein approximating 60, 30, and 10%; 55, 30, and 15%; and 40, 30, and 30% for LP, MP, and HP, respectively. Substrate oxidation was assessed via indirect calorimetry at 3 wk of the dietary interventions. Mixed-muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR) was measured after an endurance run (75 min at 70% V̇o2 peak) using a primed, continuous infusion of [2H5]phenylalanine. Protein oxidation increased with increasing protein intake, with each trial being significantly different from the other ( P < 0.01). FSR after exercise was significantly greater for LP (0.083%/h) and MP (0.078%/h) than for HP (0.052%/h; P < 0.05). There was no difference in FSR between LP and MP. This is the first investigation to establish that habitual dietary protein intake in humans modulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis after an endurance exercise bout. Future studies directed at mechanisms by which level of protein intake influences skeletal muscle turnover are needed.

Both exercise and dietary protein intake affect whole-body protein turnover (WBPTO). Few studies have investigated the effect of aerobic exercise training on WBPTO [leucine rate of appearance (Ra), oxidation (Ox), and nonoxidative leucine disposal (NOLD)] in untrained individuals consuming a specified level of protein. This study examined the effect of aerobic exercise training on WBPTO in untrained men and women during a controlled diet intervention providing 0.88 g protein/(kg . d). After a 2-wk adaptation to the study diet, 7 subjects [3 men, 4 women; 76.1 +/- 5.8 kg, 164.7 +/- 4.4 cm, 30.7 +/- 4.5% body fat, 39.1 +/- 2.8 VO(2max) (maximal oxygen uptake) mL/(kg . min)] participated in 4 wk of aerobic exercise training (running and walking 4-5 times/wk at 65-85% maximal heart rate). WBPTO (determined via constant infusion of 1-[(13)C] leucine), nitrogen balance, and body composition were determined at baseline and after 4 wk of training. Nitrogen balance (-1.0 +/- 0.7 vs. 0.9 +/- 1.1 g N/24 h, P = 0.03) improved with exercise training, whereas body mass and composition did not change. Leucine Ra did not change, Ox decreased [18 +/- 2 to 15 +/- 2 micromol/(kg . h), P

Public health initiatives promote increased physical activity in children. More specifically, resistance training has recently received attention as an important component of youth fitness programs. The study examined the effect of this mode of exercise on protein utilization in young boys and girls.Healthy children (N = 11, 8.6 +/- 1.1 yr, 33.7 +/- 9.4 kg, 131 +/- 9.6 cm, BMI = 19.1 +/- 3.4) participated in a supervised resistance-training program 2 times.wk-1 for 6 wk. 15N glycine methodology was used to assess nitrogen flux (Q), protein synthesis (PS), protein breakdown (PB), and net turnover ([NET] = PS - PB) before (PRE) and after (POST) resistance training. Percent body fat (%BF), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and energy and protein intakes were also determined. PRE/POST measurements of 1RM for the chest press and leg extension were used to examine strength gains.Gains associated with the chest press and leg extension were 10% and 75% (P0.001), respectively. Significant increases (P0.05) were noted for weight, height, FFM, and FM. Energy and protein intake remained constant. Significant decreases (PRE vs POST) were observed for Q (1.22 +/- 0.1 vs 0.75 +/- 0.05 gN.kg-1.d-1, P0.001), PS (6.48 +/- 0.47 vs 3.55 +/- 0.30 g.kg-1.d-1, P0.001), and PB (5.24 +/- 0.41 vs 2.96 +/- 0.30 g.kg-1.d-1, P0.01) after 6 wk of resistance training. NET was also reduced (P = 0.07, 1.24 +/- 0.31 vs 0.59 +/- 0.20 g.kg-1.d-1).Resistance training resulted in a downregulation in protein metabolism, which may be energy based. Future studies are needed to clarify energy, as well as protein, needs in young children participating in this form of exercise.

Although health initiatives promote increased physical activity in children, the physiologic outcomes have not been well characterized. This investigation examined the effects of programmed aerobic exercise on protein metabolism in children (n = 7; mean +/- SEM: 9.14 +/- 0.46 y old; weight, 32.1 +/- 1.6 kg; height, 138 +/- 2.5 cm; and body mass index, 16.21 +/- 0.36 kg/m(2) ) using (15)N-glycine methodology. Boys (n = 5) and girls (n = 2) walked (5 d/wk, 3.2-6.4 km/d) for 6 wk. Criterion measures taken at baseline (Pre) and after the exercise program (Post) included anthropometric data, dietary assessment, nitrogen balance, nitrogen flux (Q), protein synthesis (PS), protein breakdown (PB) and net protein balance [(Net) = PS - PB]. After the walking program, there were no significant changes in body weight, fat-free mass or percentage of body fat, whereas height increased (P < 0.01). Energy and protein intakes were constant throughout the study. Nitrogen balance was significantly more positive Post than Pre (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in Q (P < 0.0001) with corresponding decreases in PS (P < 0.001) and PB (P < 0.01). These data provide the first evidence that programmed aerobic exercise alters whole-body protein utilization in healthy, nonobese children. Longitudinal studies are required to further examine changes in protein metabolism associated with increased physical activity in this population. In addition, findings suggest a need to evaluate nutrient requirements for healthy, physically active boys and girls.

This study examined alterations in skeletal-muscle growth and atrophy-related molecular events after a single bout of moderate-intensity endurance exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 10 men (23 ± 1 yr, body mass 80 ± 2 kg, and VO2peak 45 ± 1 ml · kg−1 · min−1) immediately (0 hr) and 3 hr after a 60-min bout of cycle exercise (60% ± 5% VO2peak). Corresponding muscle biopsies were also obtained under resting conditions. The phosphorylation status of insulin/IGF-PI3K molecular-signaling proteins, ubiquitin-proteasome-related gene expression, FOXO transcription factors, and myogenic regulatory factors in muscle samples was analyzed using multiplex analysis, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A condition–time interaction was observed for Akt phosphorylation (p < .05) with multiplexing. Regardless of endurance exercise, Akt phosphorylation decreased and ERK phosphorylation increased at 3 hr compared with 0 hr (p < .05). Levels of p70S6K phosphorylation were 110% greater (p < .05) at 3 hr than at 0 hr using Western blots. MuRF mRNA expression postexercise increased; levels were 4.7- and 5.7-fold greater (p < .05) at 0 hr and 3 hr, respectively, than at rest with qRT-PCR. Atrogin mRNA expression was up-regulated 3.2-fold 3 hr postexercise compared with rest. These findings demonstrate modest changes in the molecular responses to moderate endurance exercise in the absence of nutrition. This study provides the groundwork for future investigations designed to optimize the metabolic conditions necessary to positively influence the cellular mechanisms specific to skeletal-muscle protein turnover during recovery from endurance exercise.

Background A sudden increase in exercise and energy expenditure is associated with an increase in protein turnover and nitrogen excretion. This study examined how a sudden increase in exercise-induced energy expenditure affected whole body protein metabolism and nitrogen balance in people of differing levels of aerobic fitness. We hypothesized that alterations in whole-body protein turnover would be attenuated, and nitrogen balance would be preserved, in individual with higher levels of aerobic fitness. Methods Eleven men, categorized as either having a lower (LOW-FIT; n = 5) or higher (FIT; n = 6) aerobic fitness level, completed a 4-d baseline period (BL) of an energy balance diet while maintaining usual physical activity level, followed by a 7-d intervention consisting of 1,000 kcal·d-1 increased energy expenditure via exercise (50–65% VO2peak). All volunteers consumed 0.9 g protein·kg-1·d-1 and total energy intake was adjusted to maintain energy balance throughout the 11-d study. Mean nitrogen balance (NBAL) was determined for BL, days 5–8 (EX1), and days 9–11 (EX2). Whole-body protein turnover was derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine kinetics assessed while fasting at rest on days 4, 7, and 12 using a priming dose of L-[ring-15N]tyrosine and a 4-h primed, continuous infusion of L-[15N]phenylalanine and L-[ring-2H4]tyrosine. Results A significant main effect of time indicated that NBAL increased over the course of the intervention; however, a group-by-time interaction was not observed. Although FIT demonstrated a lower net protein oxidation and higher net protein balance compared to LOW-FIT, neither the effect of time nor a group-by-time interaction was significant for Phe flux, net protein oxidation, or derived whole-body protein synthesis and net protein balance. Conclusion The absence of significant group-by-time interactions in protein metabolism (i.e., NBAL and whole-body protein turnover) between LOW-FIT and FIT males suggest that aerobic fitness level does not modulate protein "sparing" in response to an unaccustomed increase in energy expenditure.

Background Inadequate energy intake induces changes in endogenous glucose production (GP) to preserve muscle mass. Whether addition provision of dietary protein modulates GP response to energy deficit is unclear. The objective was to determine whether exercise-induced energy deficit effects on glucose metabolism are mitigated by increased dietary protein. Methods Nineteen men ([mean ± SD] 23 ± 2 y, VO2peak 59 ± 5 ml·kg-1·min-1) were divided into three groups, two consuming moderate (MP; 0.9 g protein kg-1 d-1), and one high (HP; 1.8 g protein kg-1 d-1) protein diets (55% energy from carbohydrate) for 11 days. Following 4 days of energy balance (D1-4), energy expenditure was increased for 7 days (D5-12) in all groups. Energy intake was unchanged in two, creating a 1000 kcal d-1 deficit (DEF-MP, DEF-HP; n = 6, both groups), whereas energy balance was maintained in the third (BAL-MP, n = 7). Biochemical markers of substrate metabolism were measured during fasting rest on D4 and D12, as were GP and contribution of gluconeogenesis to endogenous glucose production (fgng) using 4-h primed, continuous infusions of [6,6-2H2]glucose (dilution-method) and [2-13C]glycerol (MIDA technique). Glycogen breakdown (GB) was derived from GP and fgng. Results Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels increased, and plasma glucose and insulin declined from D4 to D12, regardless of group. DEF-MP experienced decreased plasma GP from D4 to D12 ([mean change ± SD] 0.24 ± 0.24 mg·kg-1·min-1), due to reduced GB from D4 (1.40 ± 0.28 mg·kg-1·min-1) to D12 (1.16 ± 0.17 mg·kg-1·min-1), P < 0.05. Conversely, BAL-MP and DEF-HP sustained GP from D4 to D12 ([mean change ± SD] 0.1 ± 0.5 and 0.0 ± 0.2 mg·kg-1·min-1, respectively) by maintaining GB. Conclusion Exercise-induced energy deficit decreased GP and additional dietary protein mitigated that effect.

Background Although several studies have investigated gender differences in the substrate and endocrine responses during and following endurance exercise, few have studied sex differences during a more prolonged recovery period post endurance exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare and characterize the endocrine and substrate profiles of trained male and female adult runners during the three-and-a-half hour recovery period from an endurance run. Methods After consuming a euenergetic diet (1.8 g·kg-1·d-1 protein, 26% fat, 58% carbohydrates, 42.8 ± 1.2 kcal/kg body weight) for 8 days, blood was collected from trained male (n = 6, 21 yrs, 70 kg, 180 cm, 9% body fat, VO2peak 78.0 ± 3.4 mL·kg FFM-1·min-1) and female (n = 6, 23 y, 66 kg, 170 cm, 29% body fat, VO2peak 71.6 ± 4.5 mL·kg FFM-1·min-1) endurance runners at rest and during recovery from a 75 min run at 70% VO2peak. Circulating levels of glucose, lactate, free fatty acids (FFAs), insulin, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), and free insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were measured. Results During the recovery period, females experienced increases in glucose, lactate and insulin while no changes were noted in men (P < 0.05). Males experienced increases in GH and decreases in IGF-I levels respectively (P < 0.05) while no changes were observed in females. FFA levels increased during recovery from endurance exercise, but changes were not different between genders. Conclusion These data further document gender differences in substrate and endocrine changes during a prolonged recovery period following endurance exercise. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effect of differing diets and nutritional supplements on these gender-specific post-exercise substrate and endocrine differences.