Protein Sports Drink May Boost Endurance
 (NY, Reuters Health, 7/21/04)

In a study of 15 male cyclists, Dr. Michael J. Saunders of the Human Performance Lab at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and team, found that a sports drink containing both carbohydrates and protein boosted endurance and lessened muscle breakdown better than a traditional carb-only drink. The investigators had trained cyclists pedal a stationary bike to the point of exhaustion while drinking either a protein-added or non-protein drink every 15 minutes. The next day the subjects performed a second, more demanding, workout and then, one to two weeks later, they switched drinks and went through the same process. The scientists found that, not only did the subjects pedal farther while drinking the protein beverage, but their blood levels of creatine phosphokinase (an enzyme released when muscles break down) were lower. The researchers speculate that adding protein to the usual carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage may boost athletic endurance and aid in muscle repair.

(Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, July 2004).