Soy Protein for Athletes - Promoting Muscle Mass

Presentation at ISSN Highlights Soy Protein Advantages for Endurance Athletes2007-11-15 - Solae
ST. LOUIS, Nov 15, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Dr. Douglas Kalman of Miami Research Associates delivered good news for soy protein and its use for the endurance athlete at the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) conference on Nov. 10 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Kalman presented "Whey, Casein, Soy: Why Protein Sources are Different: Applications for Endurance Athletes," which highlighted several direct and comparative studies that examined just how, and if, these varied protein sources can be of benefit to the active adult.
Kalman said soy protein has at least two significant advantages that need to be known.

"While each protein source has its own benefits for metabolism, soy should be better recognized for its quick absorption rates, which means it can enhance muscle and exercise recovery, and its ability to have positive effects whether used in food or powder form," he said.

Kalman's recently peer-reviewed published study, "Effect of protein source and resistance training on body composition and sex hormones," examined the effects of soy and whey in healthy active weightlifting males over a 12-week period. The study found soy protein was just as effective as whey in its ability to help weightlifting males gain muscle. Additional findings noted soy did not have any negative effects on male hormonal levels. The study suggests soy and soy mixed with whey protein had positive effects on male sex hormones.

"Whether you are in a strict exercise regimen or just getting started, soy and other proteins deliver a great source of protein to build muscles," said Dr. Kathy Greaves, Solae Clinical Nutrition Group Lead. "The take home message of Dr. Kalman's presentation is clear: soy protein should be on the athlete's menu plan, and it is a safe, effective dietary protein that has many health-enhancing effects."

Dr. Jose Antonio, the ISSN Conference Chair, said athletes should strongly consider soy protein as a part of their diet. "The Kalman study clearly delineated that the inclusion of soy protein as part of an athlete's nutritional plan is smart for more than just the obvious heart health reasons," Antonio said. "Now, we can state unequivocally that soy protein can have a strong, positive effect on muscle gains for the athlete when used almost daily and ingested after the workout.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Jul 23;4(1):4.

Effect of protein source and resistance training on body composition and sex hormones.

Kalman D, Feldman S, Martinez M, Krieger DR, Tallon MJ.Miami Research Associates, Nutrition/Endocrinology Division, Miami, Florida, USA. dkalman@miamiresearch.com.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests an inverse relationship between soy protein intake and serum concentrations of male sex hormones. Anecdotal evidence indicates that these alterations in serum sex hormones may attenuate changes in lean body mass following resistance training. However, little empirical data exists regarding the effects of soy and milk-based proteins on circulating androgens and exercise induced body composition changes. METHODS: For 12 weeks 20 subjects were supplemented with 50 g per day of one of four different protein sources (Soy concentrate; Soy isolate; Soy isolate and whey blend, and Whey blend only) in combination with a resistance-training program. Body composition, testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured at baseline and week 12. RESULTS: Protein supplementation resulted in a significant increase in lean body mass independent of protein source (0.5 +/- 1.1 and 0.9 +/- 1.4 kg, p = 0.006, p = 0.007). No significant differences were observed between groups for total and free testosterone, SHBG, percentage body fat, BMI or body weight. The Testosterone/Estradiol ratio increased across all groups (+13.4, p = 0.005) and estradiol decreased (p = 0.002). Within group analysis showed significant increases in the Testosterone/Estradiol ratio in soy isolate + whey blend group (+16.3, p = 0.030). Estradiol was significantly lower in the whey blend group (-9.1 +/- 8.7 pg/ml, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that 12 week supplementation with soy protein does not decrease serum testosterone or inhibit lean body mass changes in subjects engaged in a resistance exercise program.

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Pam Dunwald, R.N.
Email: pamdunwald@yahoo.com
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