Abstract

High-intensity and prolonged exercise creates the potential for a catabolic state resulting in protein degradation. The repair of muscle tissue following intense exercise is critical in promoting recovery and optimizing training adaptations. Individuals engaged in intense exercise training have greater protein needs. Additionally, research shows that timing dietary protein and/ or amino acid ingestion can play an important role in promoting protein synthesis and recovery from exercise. The purpose of this perspectives article is to overview the role of dietary protein in optimizing recovery from exercise, and how ingestion of protein and/or amino acids prior to and following exercise can optimize protein synthesis and recovery.