Why protein?

[E36Guy]

So we have the thread about what kind we take and why we take that brand, but I was talking with DavDrums3d the other day about what protein does in general, and I wasn't actually all that sure.

Why do any of us drink the protein shakes or things of that nature. What does it do? What's the science behind it?

[Sportsmedjosh]

A protein is broken down into amino acids which is needed to repair muscle tissue to allow growth. Here is a quick little run down on some specs on protein

[IMG]Proteins
Composed of amino acids (a.a.)
Formed when a.a. are linked by peptide bonds
At least 20 different types of amino acids are needed by the body to form various tissues
9 a.a.=essential – must be consumed
11 a.a.=nonessential – body makes them
Yield 4 cal/gm

Generally does not contribute a lot to energy metabolism
Proteins may contribute to energy during exercise under 2 situations:
Starvation/low CHO diet
Very prolonged exercise[/IMG]

This came from here: Energy Metabolism

I think individuals consume a lot more protein than they need though.

[E36Guy]

So do people on weight loss diets still use protein type shakes/supplements? Or is that going to make weight loss harder?

Oh and is there any draw-back to consuming "more protein than needed?"

[Sportsmedjosh]

People who are usually extremely over weight who go on very restrictive diets usually have their protein intake higher than avg. Because when the body goes into a semi starvation phase it utilizes and goes after you're bodys protein source (muscle for example). To compensate extra protein in needed. To much protein can cause some.

To much protein can be bad if your body doesn't need it, it can cause strains on your body's systems.

[shawnyboy]

how much protein u recommend? ive always take atleast 1 g per pound...

[Bears]

Originally Posted by shawnyboy

how much protein u recommend? ive always take atleast 1 g per pound...

Ya, 1g per pound is normally the recommended protein per pound ratio.

[cabezon]

Originally Posted by E36Guy

So do people on weight loss diets still use protein type shakes/supplements? Or is that going to make weight loss harder?

Oh and is there any draw-back to consuming "more protein than needed?"

Surprisingly, morbidly obese people, at least the ones that come to the hospital, are often malnourished. It looks odd to see a 400+ person drinking boost. Often the person's diet consisted of high carbohydrate and high fat snacks, and fast food. ie., Domino's and chinese delivery. If a person is bedbound, they cannot get to the green grocer to get healthy food.

So these people respond quickly to a healthy diet and often lose huge amounts of weight in the hospital.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Originally Posted by shawnyboy

how much protein u recommend? ive always take atleast 1 g per pound...

Depends

Sedentary 0.8 g/kg
Strength, maintenance 1.2-1.4 g/kg
Strength, gain muscle 1.6-1.7 g/kg
Endurance 1.2-1.4 g/kg
Intermittent, high intensity 1.4-1.7 g/kg
Weight-restricted 1.4-1.8 g/kg

[Bears]

Originally Posted by Sportsmedjosh

Depends

Sedentary 0.8 g/kg
Strength, maintenance 1.2-1.4 g/kg
Strength, gain muscle 1.6-1.7 g/kg
Endurance 1.2-1.4 g/kg
Intermittent, high intensity 1.4-1.7 g/kg
Weight-restricted 1.4-1.8 g/kg

Nice

Where did you get those values from? I've been looking for something like that.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Originally Posted by Bears

Nice

Where did you get those values from? I've been looking for something like that.

Those values are from here http://www.epoc-fitness.com/nutrition.php

Those are the values that are recogonized by the RD association.