Is there a maximal anabolic response to protein intake with a meal? - PubMed (original) (raw)

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Is there a maximal anabolic response to protein intake with a meal?

Nicolaas E Deutz et al. Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Several recent publications indicate that the maximum stimulation of muscle protein fractional synthetic rate occurs with intake of 20-30 g protein. This finding has led to the concept that there is a maximal anabolic response to protein intake with a meal, and that the normal amount of protein eaten with dinner will generally exceed the maximally-effective intake of protein. However, protein breakdown has not been taken into account when evaluating the anabolic response to protein intake. Protein anabolism occurs only when protein synthesis exceeds protein breakdown. Higher protein intakes when protein synthesis is maximized is characterized by suppressed protein breakdown and via that mechanism leads to a greater anabolic response. This explains why when net protein synthesis is measured, the relationship between amino acid availability and net gain remains linear, without any apparent plateau of effect at higher levels of availability. We conclude that there is no practical upper limit to the anabolic response to protein or amino acid intake in the context of a meal.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

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Conflict of interest statement

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST/DISCLOSURES.

N. Deutz has no conflict of interest. R. Wolfe is a member of the Abbott Research Advisory Board and the Essentient, LLC, Advisory Board, and has received funding for research grants and served as a consultant for the National Cattleman’s Beef Association.

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

The intracellular pool of amino acids is the precursor pool for muscle protein synthesis. These amino acids can be derived from either protein breakdown or inward transport of amino acids from plasma. In addition to being incorporated into protein, intracellular amino acids can be oxidized or released into plasma.

Figure 2

Figure 2

The relationship between muscle protein synthesis (protein synthesis minus breakdown) and the rate of intracellular appearance of amino acids. Rates were determined in human subjects using a three pool model of leg protein metabolism. Taken from (23).

Figure 3

Figure 3

Relation between the intake of essential amino acids (represented by the phenylalanine intake) and net protein synthesis after a bolus meal with a protein mixture with added carbohydrates in a group of male and females between 45 and 70 years of age in the healthy condition and with disease such as chronic renal failure, COPD and Cancer. All data are expressed per kg fat-free mass (ffm). Between 240 to 330 μmol phenylalanine is present in 1 gram protein. With an average of about 50 kg of ffm/subject, 100 μmol phenylalanine/kg ffm represents about 15 to 20 gram of protein in the bolus drink.

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