No Difference between Spray Dried Milk and Native Whey Supplementation with Strength Training.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Rapid digestibility and high leucine content are key for muscle protein synthesis.
• Native whey's properties suggest potential for greater anabolic effects than milk.
• This study investigated whey vs. milk supplementation during strength training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of milk versus native whey supplementation.
• To assess impact on muscle mass and strength gains.
• To evaluate anabolic signaling in young adults undergoing strength training.

Main Methods:

• Double-blinded, randomized, controlled study with 40 participants.
• 12-week strength training intervention with daily milk or native whey (20g protein).
• Assessed muscle mass, strength, cross-sectional area, thickness, and kinase phosphorylation.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in muscle mass and strength (5%-16%) in both groups.
• No significant differences in muscle gains or strength between milk and native whey groups.
• Acute anabolic signaling (p70S6K phosphorylation) increased post-exercise but showed no supplement-specific differences.

Conclusions:

• Milk and native whey supplementation yield similar outcomes for muscle mass and strength.
• Neither supplement provided a distinct advantage in enhancing muscle adaptations.
• Acute signaling responses did not correlate with long-term muscle or strength gains.