Adding protein improves recovery time in athletes

In this study, researchers looked at a liquid supplement that contained carbohydrate and protein. They looked at 15 trained male cyclists who performed a time trial in which they cycled as far as they could in one hour.

The cyclists then took either the carbohydrate and protein a supplement or carbohydrate only 10, 60 and 120 minutes after the time trial. They then ate a standardised meal four hours later. Six hours later, they performed the same time trial.

Although the cyclist's performance dropped between the two time trials, the drop was greater in the group who had only take carbohydrate immediately after the initial time trial. The conclusion is that protein as well as carbohydrate is necessary for optimum recovery.