Overfeeding is the most common nutritional strategy to promote weight gain in athletes. Some studies suggest that protein intake exceeding can prevent deleterious effects of overfeeding, as an increased body fat, worsening lipid profile and oxidative stress. Objective: To examine if bodybuilders with high protein intake (>1.7g/kg) had better quantitative lipid profile, less malondialdehyde (MDA) on plasma and body fat following overfeeding. Method: Of 33 bodybuilders interviewed, 19 who

more »

... overfeeding were selected and divided into two groups according to reported protein intake: overfeeding group (OF, n=10) and protein overfeeding (PO, n=9). The waist circumference and body fat (skinfold thickness) were evaluated and plasma lipoproteins determined by colorimetric enzymatic techniques and MDA as a biomarker of oxidative stress. Results: The mean protein intake in OF and PO were 1.6 and 3.1g/kg/day, respectively. The PO showed lower body weight (82.9 vs. 89.9kg; p<0.05), waist circumference (83.5 vs 90.8cm; p<0.05), body fat (11.8 vs 18.9%, p<0.05), MDA levels (5.5 vs 6.6uL, p<0.05), total cholesterol (186.1 vs 193.8mg/dl; p<0.05), triglycerides (141.6 vs 155.1mg/dl); p<0.05), VLDL (28.3 vs 31.0mg/dl; p<0.05), cholesterol non-HDL (127.0 vs 165mg/dl; p<0.05), atherogenic index (180.8 vs 209.4, p<0.05), a higher HDL/ total cholesterol ratio (0.31 vs 0.21; p<0.05), and trend towards higher HDL (54.2 vs 44.6mg/dl; p=0.07). The frequency of adequacy according to current recommendations proved to be superior in all lipoproteins, except VLDL, in PO group. Conclusion: Resistance-trained athletes with high protein intake had better quantitative lipid and anthropometric profiles and lower MDA levels following overfeeding.