The present study examined whether a high protein diet prevents the impaired leukocyte redistribution in response to acute exercise caused by a large volume of high-intensity exercise training. Eight cyclists (VO2max: 64.2±6.5mLkg-1min-1) undertook two separate weeks of high-intensity training while consuming either a high protein diet (3gkg-1proteinBM-1day-1) or an energy and carbohydrate-matched control diet (1.5gkg-1proteinBM-1day-1). High-intensity training weeks were preceded by a week of normal-intensity training under the control diet. Leukocyte and lymphocyte sub-population responses to acute exercise were determined at the end of each training week. Self-reported symptoms of upper-respiratory tract infections (URTI) were monitored daily by questionnaire. Undertaking high-intensity training with a high protein diet restored leukocyte kinetics to similar levels observed during normal-intensity training: CD8+ TL mobilization (normal-intensity: 29,319±13,130cells/μL×~165min vs. high-intensity with protein: 26,031±17,474cells/μL×~165min, P>0.05), CD8+ TL egress (normal-intensity: 624±264cells/μL vs. high-intensity with protein: 597±478cells/μL, P>0.05). This pattern was driven by effector-memory populations mobilizing (normal-intensity: 6,145±6,227cells/μL×~165min vs. high-intensity with protein: 6,783±8,203cells/μL×~165min, P>0.05) and extravastating from blood (normal-intensity: 147±129cells/μL vs. high-intensity with protein: 165±192cells/μL, P>0.05). High-intensity training while consuming a high protein diet was associated with fewer symptoms of URTI compared to performing high-intensity training with a normal diet (P<0.05). To conclude, a high protein diet might reduce the incidence of URTI in athletes potentially mediated by preventing training-induced impairments in immune-surveillance. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.
CITATION STYLE
Witard, O. C., Turner, J. E., Jackman, S. R., Kies, A. K., Jeukendrup, A. E., Bosch, J. A., & Tipton, K. D. (2014). High dietary protein restores overreaching induced impairments in leukocyte trafficking and reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection in elite cyclists. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 39, 211–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2013.10.002
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