Protein Drinks Do Not Improve Performance

Three words can sum up the conclusion of the newest research into the benefits of adding protein to sports drinks to enhance performance: It doesn’t work. The Los Angeles Times reports that while certain kinds of protein stimulate insulin release, which is important for muscle glycogen replacement following exercise, ingesting protein during exercise does not have the same effect, and does not improve performance. The paper reports that a recent analysis conducted at McMaster University in Canada consisted of a double-blind study of 10
experienced cyclists who rode in three 80-kilometer time trials on
stationary bikes. In separate tests, the athletes were given a drink
with 6 percent carbohydrate (as in traditional sports drinks), 6 percent carbohydrate
and 2 percent protein, and an Aspartame-sweetened placebo drink providing no
energy.  Researchers found that the carbohydrate-enhanced drink did improve performance over the placebo, but the addition of protein had no measurable effect. Read more about it in the L.A. Times.