Protein Supplementation After ACL Surgery

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects will include patients age 16 to 40 undergoing primary ACL reconstruction for an acute ACL tear with the PI or Sub-investigators

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects will not be included if they meet one of the following criteria

  * History of meniscectomy or meniscus repair
  * Obesity (BMI\>35)
  * Diabetes
  * Cardiovascular, renal, liver or pulmonary disease
  * Active infections
  * Cancer (current or treated within the past 2 years) or coagulation disorder
  * Rapid weight change within the past year
  * Physically unable to participate in the intervention
  * Are currently taking, or recently (w/in 1 month of participation) taken prescribed, or over the counter ergogenic aids or compounds known to be banned by the NCAA.
  * Less than 16 years of age
  * Vegan patients
  * Patient over the age of 40
  * Pregnancy ( As part of standard of care, all female participants will be administered a urine pregnancy test prior to surgery. A negative test result is required to participate in the study.)
  * Any known or diagnosed kidney, GI, or liver disorders
  * Taking any medications known to affect protein metabolism. This includes, but is not limited to any drugs involved in hormone replacement therapy to treat conditions such as:

    * Hypothyroidism: example - levothyroxine
    * Hypogonadism: example - exogenous testosterone, estrogen, or any other forms of androgenic or anabolic hormone compounds
    * Growth hormone or growth hormone analogues
    * Type I or Type II diabetes requiring insulin
  * Currently taking protein supplements, amino acid supplements, or any known ergogenic aids.
  * Notably, all patients would need to confirm they will be doing their rehab through Houston Methodist
  * Patients diagnosed with protein intolerance or digestive issues associated with consuming protein