Whey protein is known to have a wide variety of health applications. Besides having immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and other effects, whey protein has also been studied for its potential value in exercise and muscle building. A recent study observed whey protein’s ability to stimulate protein synthesis during physical inactivity.
The rate of protein synthesis is strongly stimulated by providing the body with dietary proteins or amino acids, which form proteins. In this study, which was recently published in the Journal of Nutrition (Antonione et al. 2008;138:2212-2216), 8 young male volunteers on bed rest were given either whey protein or casein, and their rates of protein synthesis after eating were measured. Each participant was given a specifically prepared diet. The study found that net protein synthesis was greatest when the participants were given a whey supplement.
Normally, synthesis of skeletal muscle protein is increased after physical activity. This can be problematic for people who are in conditions of forced reduced physical activity, such as in the cases of neurological and other diseases. This study concluded that whey protein’s ability to stimulate whole-body and muscle protein synthesis could make it beneficial in conditions of physical inactivity, and help to prevent muscle atrophy that can be associated with these conditions.
For more information, see Advanced Whey or Advanced Whey Fibre
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