When you’re depleted of nutrients after a hard workout, the rate at which you can deliver essential amino acids to your bloodstream could be key to switching on the muscle building process.
Because whey protein is more quickly digested and has a higher concentration of essential amino acids compared to other protein sources, it is unrivaled for its ability to increase muscle mass in the post-workout period.
Whey’s superiority has everything to do with muscle protein synthesis, or MPS. MPS is the process of creating new proteins in muscle tissue as a result of essential amino acid availability. Essential amino acids, like leucine, which are highly concentrated in whey, are pivotal in pulling the trigger to signal the genes and proteins involved in MPS (1).
In one study, researchers in Canada reported that consuming 25 grams of whey protein in one serving was more successful in increasing amino acids than taking 25 grams of whey in smaller doses (2). The low-dose amount was intended to replicate digestion of drinking a regular glass of skim milk. The 25-gram dose of whey in one serving increased MPS to a greater extent one to three hours and even three to five hours after exercise.
These results demonstrated the importance of getting a large serving of protein immediately after lifting weights to increase MPS. The whey protein found in Isagenix products is a wonderful option for athletes who want to increase their muscle mass after a grueling workout.
References
- Biolo G, Tipton KD, Klein S, Wolfe RR. An abundant supply of amino acids enhances the metabolic effect of exercise on muscle protein. Am J Physiol 1997; 273: E122–9.
- West DW, et al. Rapid aminoacidemia enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis and anabolic intramuscular signaling responses after resistance exercise. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Sep;94(3):795-803.
