Athletes Cling to Protein Despite Doubts About Benefits

(Jan. 21) -- The fitness supplement industry is booming, but even well-seasoned athletes don't have healthy habits when it comes to fueling for performance, a new study says.

Research has already proven that extra protein doesn't improve recovery time or performance among recreational or elite athletes. But we haven't listened: So-called "performance enhancing" foods, including protein bars and powders, represent a quarter of the $25 billion dietary supplement industry.

"There's a strange hype surrounding protein," said Martin Fréchette, a sports nutrition specialist at the University of Montreal in Quebec. Fréchette recently surveyed 42 endurance athletes about their intake of several fitness supplements, including sports drinks, vitamins and protein powder.

His findings illustrate that misconceptions about protein aren't exclusive to recreational gym-goers: Nine out of 10 athletes used protein powder, but 70 percent admitted they couldn't cite a concrete reason for doing so and weren't sure whether the supplements were improving performance. Based on an analysis of their diets, Fréchette concluded that 81 percent of the athletes already consumed adequate protein, without supplementation.

"Athletes need double the protein of an average adult," Fréchette said. "But there's protein in pretty much everything, except for fruit. So this obsession with more protein is simply misguided."

For a 150-pound athlete, a daily protein intake of 120 grams is adequate, but some popular whey protein powders offer more than 50 grams in a single serving.

And protein powders aren't just ineffective; they can also be dangerous. Several studies of supplements used by elite athletes have found contamination or unlabeled ingredients in 12 percent to 25 percent of samples. One study, funded by the International Olympic Committee in 2001, concluded that 15 percent of supplements used by Olympic athletes were contaminated. Fréchette says that subsequent health risks will depend on the illicit add-ins, which include steroids and banned stimulants. Steroids, for example, could cause reproductive problems or mood disturbances.

The Food and Drug Administration has little oversight of the products, which are sold as food rather than medication. When the agency does intervene, the lack of ongoing scrutiny is glaring. In July, the FDA issued a warning to three supplement companies, all based in New Jersey. The agency cited company owners for "manufacturing and storing food under filthy conditions" and found that the companies "failed to disclose major food allergens on the product labels."

Protein powders and bars aren't necessarily useless, Fréchette said. Those with dietary restrictions could benefit from adding supplemental protein. But despite what you read in fitness magazines, the jury's still out on whether serious bodybuilders even benefit from all that Muscle Milk and Designer Whey. More often than not, most athletes would be better off saving their money.

"Protein is not magic," Fréchette said. "No matter what you hear on the Internet, or anywhere else."