Egg White Protein before Running in Heat: Useless
Researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture recently investigated various effects of consuming egg white protein prior to endurance running in a hot environment. They were interested in determining whether blood substrate and hormonal levels and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) would be altered.
Twenty-four male distance runners were divided into four groups, each of which consumed one of four supplements prior to running 12 km on treadmills in a hot environment. All four supplements contained 86 calories. They contained 0, 5, 10 and 20 grams of egg white protein, respectively. The non-protein calories came from carbohydrate.
The authors of the study, which was published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, reported, "The blood glucose, free amino acid, and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) levels in the 0 g, 5 g, and 10 g protein groups were higher [after the run] than at [before]. The pre-exercise intake of the 20 g protein group showed the smallest changes in the blood biochemicals. The RPE scores were significantly higher [after the run], and did not vary among the four protein groups. Accordingly, the pre-exercise carbohydrate intakes significantly altered the post-exercise blood biochemisty findings, but the pre-exercise protein intake did not. Furthermore, the changes in the RPE scores in our present study were not explained by changes in the serum free tryptophan or the BCAA levels, and an increased dietary intake of egg white protein might not prevent post-exercise increases in the RPE scores." |
