6. Summary

Prolonged submaximal exercise increases the oxidation of indispensable amino acids which almost certainly increases the dietary requirement for protein. For this reason, 1.2 g/kg/d (twice the standard deviation seen by MEREDITH et al., 1989b) should serve as a recommended dietary protein intake for endurance athletes or those performing physically demanding occupations consuming a eucaloric diet. Those who attempt to lose weight by increasing their activity levels and decreasing their energy intake will have an even greater dietary protein requirement.

In previously sedentary individuals, the initiation of a weight-lifting program may also increase the need for dietary protein by increasing the rate of skeletal muscle protein. This seems to be particularly true in the elderly. However, there is no evidence that strength and power athletes already adapted to their sport, and who perform little or no endurance exercise, have a high dietary protein requirement.