Protein intake distribution pattern does not affect anabolic response, lean body mass, muscle strength or function
Il-Young Kim1, Scott Schutzler2, Amy M Schrader3
1Department of Geriatrics, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Background & Aims:
In our recent acute metabolic study, we found no differences in the anabolic response to differing patterns of dietary protein intake. To confirm this in a chronic study, we investigated the effects of protein distribution pattern on functional outcomes and protein kinetics in older adults over 8 weeks.
Methods:
To determine chronic effects of protein intake pattern at 1.1 g protein/kg/day in mixed meals on lean body mass (LBM), functional outcomes, whole body protein kinetics and muscle protein fractional synthesis rate (MPS) over 8-week respective dietary intervention, fourteen older subjects were randomly divided into either EVEN or UNVEN group. The UNEVEN group (n = 7) consumed the majority of dietary protein with dinner (UNEVEN, 15/20/65%; breakfast, lunch, dinner), while the EVEN group (n = 7) consumed dietary protein evenly throughout the day (EVEN: 33/33/33%).
Results:
We found no significant differences in LBM, muscle strength, and other functional outcomes between EVEN and UNEVEN before and after 8-week intervention. Consistent with these functional outcomes, we did not find significant differences in the 20-h integrated whole body protein kinetics [net protein balance (NB), protein synthesis (PS), and breakdown (PB)] above basal states and MPS between EVEN and UNEVEN intake patterns.
Conclusions:
We conclude that over an 8-week intervention period, the protein intake distribution pattern in mixed meals does not play an important role in determining anabolic response, muscle strength, or functional outcomes. This trial is registered at https://ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02787889.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements


