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The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance (1999) / Chapter Skim
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3 Protein and Amino Acids: Physiological Optimization for Current and Future Military Operational Scenarios
Pages 85-92

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From page 85...
... National Academy Press Protein and Amino Acids: Physiological Optimization for Current ant! Future Military Operational Scenarios J TC Karl E
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From page 86...
... Current scientific advances may now allow us to consider the specific protein and amino acid content that could be sustaining and even enhancing. The purpose of this review by the Committee on Military Nutrition Research is to evaluate the state of knowledge from basic research and suggest promising research directions in protein and amino acid modulation of military performance in stressful operational scenarios.
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From page 87...
... Several human and animal studies suggest that 85-179 mg/kg of tyrosine can improve mental performance and reduce anxiety in stressful conditions and with inadequate rest (Lieberman, 1994; Neri et al., 1995~. John Thomas and his colleagues at the Naval Medical Research Institute have reported preliminary data from studies with Marine sharpshooters on maneuvers in Alaska that indicated a trend toward restoring marksmanship performance degraded by cold and fatigue (Shurtleff et al., 1994~.
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From page 88...
... Medical researchers were asked to determine if a simple fix such as a vitamin pill or other supplement could sustain the health of soldiers in stressful training without having to ease the rigors of the Ranger course; however, plasma biochemical measures indicated no vitamin or nutrient deficiencies (Moore et al., 1992~. A similar model of stress-induced alteration in immune function indices was established by Colonel Fairbrother in soldiers during the 21-d Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SPAS)
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From page 89...
... Some of these adaptations appear to be present already in endurance-trained athletes where intensive prolonged exercise does not shift We balance to one of net protein catabolism (Stein et al., 1989~. Future research on nutritional interventions to counter the effects of operational stressors may rely heavily on protein and amino acid components because of the important potential for these nutrients to modulate cognitive function and sustain performance.
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From page 90...
... Report USARIEM-T13-92, ADA257 437. Natick, Mass.: Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.
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From page 91...
... Natick, Mass.: U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.
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Key Terms

  • protein intake
  • lean mass
  • immune function
  • glutamine supplementation
  • operational rations

  • special forces
  • military performance
  • forces assessment
  • military nutrition
  • ranger training

  • nutrition research
  • operational scenarios
  • environmental medicine
  • protein content
  • operational ration

  • army research
  • selection course
  • extracellular fluid
  • optimal cognitive
  • army ranger

  • amino acids
  • stressful training
  • infection rates
  • supports optimal
  • food components

  • function indices
  • actions beyond
  • reported preliminary
  • male soldier
  • ration benefits


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