Sep 19, 2016Post-Workout Protein
Although many believe the amount of protein needed after working out relates to the amount of muscle an athlete has, research suggests this may not be the case. A recent study found that the amount of muscle worked influences the amount of protein needed to recover and grow rather than the athletes’ sizes.
According to an article from Science Daily, participants for the study, conducted by researchers from Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, were divided into two groups based on lean body mass. During the study, the participants completed two trials in which they performed resistance exercise and then consumed whey protein, 20 and 40 grams respectively.
“In our study, participants completed a bout of whole-body resistance exercise, where earlier studies—on which protein recommendations are based—examined the response to leg-only exercise,” Kevin Tipton, Professor of Sport, Health and Exercise Science in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport said. “This difference suggests the amount of muscle worked in a single session has a bigger impact on the amount of protein needed afterwards, than the amount of muscle in the body.”
Along with this implication, the researchers found 40 grams of whey protein was more effective for stimulating muscle growth and recovery. Before changing recommendations, however, more research is needed to see the effects for females as well as older individuals since the participants were young, resistance-trained males.
