Muscle Protein Synthesis and Whole-Body Protein Turnover Responses to Ingesting Essential Amino Acids, Intact Protein, and Protein-Containing Mixed Meals with Considerations for Energy Deficit
Research snapshot:
2020 review study finds protein feeding formats significantly impact muscle protein synthesis during energy deficit.
2020 |
Review |
Protein |
Muscle Protein Synthesis |
Overview.
This study examines the effects of different protein feeding formats on muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and whole-body protein balance, especially under conditions of energy deficit, highlighting the importance of considering both MPS and whole-body protein turnover.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with the Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, and the Department of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences conducted this study, which was published in the journal Nutrients.
Objectives.
The objectives of this review were to summarize the effects of supplemental free-form essential amino acids (EAAs), intact proteins, and protein-containing mixed meals on MPS during energy balance and energy deficit. The study aimed to highlight the importance of measuring both MPS and whole-body protein balance and to identify best practices for leveraging the anabolic properties of dietary protein during catabolic stress.
Study design.
This was a comprehensive review that analyzed various studies on protein feeding formats and their effects on MPS and whole-body protein balance. The review included data from dose-response studies, resistance exercise models, and energy deficit scenarios, involving healthy individuals and those under physiological stress.
Results.
The study found that MPS is stimulated by increases in peripheral EAA concentrations, which are influenced by the protein feeding format. Free-form EAAs increase EAA concentrations rapidly, while intact proteins and mixed meals have varying digestion and absorption kinetics. The optimal dose for MPS stimulation is around 20-30g of protein or 10g of EAAs per meal. During energy deficit, higher protein intake (1.6-2.4g/kg/day) is necessary to maintain MPS and whole-body protein balance. The study also highlighted that whole-body protein turnover measures are crucial in addition to MPS assessments to understand the overall protein status.
Conclusions.
The review concluded that the choice of protein feeding format significantly influences MPS and whole-body protein balance. For optimal muscle adaptation and maintenance, especially under energy deficit conditions, it is essential to ensure adequate EAA intake through appropriate feeding formats. Simultaneous measurements of MPS and whole-body protein balance are necessary to fully evaluate the efficacy of these feeding strategies.
Original paper.
Gwin, J. A., Church, D. D., Wolfe, R. R., Ferrando, A. A., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2020). Muscle Protein Synthesis and Whole-Body Protein Turnover Responses to Ingesting Essential Amino Acids, Intact Protein, and Protein-Containing Mixed Meals with Considerations for Energy Deficit. Nutrients, 12(8), 2457. doi: 10.3390/nu12082457
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