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Essay Protein Power

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Protein Power

1. Description

Met-Rx can be used as a meal supplement or meal companion. It is mostly used by body builders in order to build body mass. It is packaged in the form of food bars or powdered shakes. (www.metrx.com/tutorials-and-quiz/quiz.html) The purpose of this treatment is to "support protein synthesis, energy production, and fat utilization" (www.met-rx.com/faq/default.htm). The ingredients contained in these combinations allow the body to acquire all the necessary nutrients for maximum metabolic effect.

2. Types of Protein Supplements

Shakes are used so that the time consuming calorie counting, etc. can be avoided. They are also designed to "maximize the oxidation and storage …show more content…

These products are sold without FDA approval of safety or effectiveness. In a study done by the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an increase in body mass due to protein supplements was "most likely water retention in muscle but could also be due to some new muscle protein"(Clarkson 1999). Though athletes need more protein to keep a nitrogen balance, it is easily obtained in a normal diet. The Department of Pharmacy at Shands Hospital concludes that "protein supplementation can lead to dehydration, gout, liver and kidney damage, calcium loss, and gastrointestinal effects"(Beltz 1993).

4. Protein Supplement and Athletes/Bodybuilders
Scientists have proven that the break down of protein in amino acids are needed in the build up of muscle. As a result, Met-Rx contains whey protein, metamyosyn, as well as other proteins. Athletes and Bodybuilders are looking for a way to increase muscle mass, increase endurance, or reduce body fat without damaging their bodies like using steroids, etc. Protein supplements give them the added amino acids for muscle build up, however; "the normal dietary intake of protein is adequate for athletes as long as the energy intake is sufficient to maintain body weight" (Dohm 1984). In a study by the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Houston, a clinical trial showed that "growth hormones were significantly elevated during resting

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