Potteiger, J. A., Dolezal, B. A., Almuzaini, K. S., & Haub, M. D. (1997). Acute protein supplementation does not alter power output, plasma ammonia concentration and acid-base during high intensity intermittent exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1097.

Many athletes use protein supplementation with the expectation that it is an ergogenic aid. There are both positive and negative benefits from protein supplementation, the negatives including increased ammonia formation and changes in acid-base balance.

Trained male Ss (N = 9) performed sprint cycle-ergometer tests (125% VO2max) under no supplementation and protein supplementation conditions. Protein supplementation lasted for seven days and involved a commercial preparation in the amount of 0.5 gm/kg BW.

The supplementation regimen did not alter ammonia, acid-base balance, or power output during intermittent supramaximal exercise.

Implication. Short-term protein supplementation does not affect intermittent high-intensity exercise.

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