Training for a marathon? Pay attention to your protein intake
March,29,2021
As a macronutrient, protein is essential for numerous physiological functions, making it a crucial part of your diet. But if you’re prepping for a marathon, a recent study in the journal Nutrition suggests you might want to consider boosting your protein intake, even in your pre-race tapering phase.
Researchers looked at 58 experienced masters runners to determine the role of protein in marathon performance, body composition, race-induced changes, and metabolic state. They evaluated their nutritional intake, body composition, and blood biomarkers one week before a marathon and two hours postrace.
Marathon-induced changes in body composition and metabolic blood markers were highly related to protein intake, both during the tapering period and during the race. The runners with the lowest level of changes—which is considered a good thing!—were those who consumed higher amounts of protein.
