Protein supplements during training work for women but not men, study finds

09 Jul 2021 --- Taking a protein hydrolysate supplement during carbohydrate-restricted training helps women, but not men, increase training intensity. This is according to a new study that will be presented this week at the Physiological Society’s annual physiology conference 2021.

“The application of the findings from our study are purely for the specialized training tactic of overnight fasted carbohydrate-restricted exercise that aims to enhance training,” says Tanja Oosthuyse, lead author of the study.

“Racing nutrition, however, is very different, and at the moment, guidelines are standard for both men and women. We need to specify potential differences so that both men and women can train and race at the highest possible caliber,” she continues.

The study emphasizes that standard nutritional guidelines should not be the case for both men and women because nutritional research findings in men don’t always apply to women.

Impact on women’s training
While the protein supplement improved training intensity in women, it did not boost training intensity in males and even had a minor detrimental effect.

It made exercise feel more difficult for men as their bodies had to work harder to break down the supplement than when they merely drank plain water.Men who took the protein supplement found exercise more difficult as their bodies had to work harder to digest the supplement.

The findings of this study suggest that women should take protein supplements during carbohydrate-restricted fasting exercise, while men should be aware that it could increase their perception of effort.

Future research is needed to see if using protein hydrolysate supplements during carbohydrate-restricted training for a more extended period, such as weeks or months, is advantageous.

The menstrual phase was not taken into account in this study. Follow-up research is needed to see if improved training intensity while consuming a protein hydrolysate versus placebo water is specific to the menstrual phase.

Women’s sports nutrition research lacking?
According to the researchers of the study, the majority of nutrition recommendations for athletes are based solely on research conducted on men.

Recently, experts highlighted that the inclusion of both women and men in clinical trials is essential to identify critical distinctions better and, in turn, advance public health.

Moreover, the women’s health sector faces difficulties when eliminating gender stereotypes and educating consumers on individual probiotic strains.

Sports performance and nutrition
The new study also highlights the need for personalization in sports diets, supplements and overall nutrition.

Previously, continuous glucose monitors revealed the shortcomings of fast-acting sugary sports nutrition products, which can cause an athlete’s blood sugar to rise before dropping below the acceptable level.

Dr. Marc Saramito, a sports doctor, emphasizes that nutrition must be tailored to the athlete.

Moreover, individualizing nutritional regimens for male rugby players could assist them in achieving peak performance and recovery.

By Nicole Kerr