New protein guidelines for track and field athletes

A new review published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism sets out new guidelines for protein intake in track and field athletes.  The updated International Association of Athletes Federations’ (IAAF) consensus statement on Sports Nutrition for Track and Field Athletes states ‘We recommend that, to facilitate the remodelling of our muscle proteins - which are turning over rapidly due to their high training volumes - track and field athletes should aim for protein intakes of 1.6 grams per kilo of body mass each day if their goal is to increase muscle.’  

The new guidelines also recommend ‘Track and Field athletes who are restricting energy intake and have the goal of minimising the loss of lean body mass - should target protein intakes of between 1.6 and 2.4 grams per kilo of body mass a day.’