Use of higher-protein diets during intense military training to decrease lean tissue loss and improve performance

Results A negative correlation was found between the change in average vertical jump height and protein intake. Total body mass increased by 0.6 ± 1.1 kg (p<.001), and percent body fat decreased by 1.1 ± 0.9 (p<.001). Fat-free mass increased by 1.3 ± 1.1 kg (p<.001), fat-mass decreased by 0.7 ± 0.7 (p<.001). Averaged 600 meter times decreased by 1.2 ± 1.8 seconds (p<.001). Peak LPI (LPI) and average LPI increased by 0.12 ± 0.22 (p<.001) and 0.13 ± 0.22 (p<.001), respectively. Total energy intake was 14,110 ± 4,389 kJ. Macronutrient breakdown of diets was 52 ± 11% carbohydrates (437 ± 155 g), 19 ± 4% protein (157 ± 65 g) and 32 ± 9% fat (119 ± 53 g). There was no correlation between meal frequency and anthropometric changes or performance changes. Meal frequency consisted of 64% of the subjects consuming 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks daily, 22% of the subjects only consumed 2 meals and 1 to 3 snacks daily, and 13% of participants reported consuming 2 large meals and no snacks daily.