Abstract
Protein recommendations are provided on a daily basis as defined by the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) at 0.80 g protein/kg/day. However, meal-based, as opposed to daily, dietary protein recommendations are likely more informative given the role of the daily protein distribution pattern in modulating the post-exercise muscle protein synthetic response. Current protein meal recommendations to plateau post-exercise muscle protein synthesis rates are based on the ingestion of isolated protein sources, and not protein-rich whole foods. It is generally more common to eat whole food sources of dietary protein within a normal eating pattern to meet dietary protein requirements. Yet, there is a need to define how dietary protein action on muscle protein synthesis rates can be modulated by other nutrients within a food matrix to achieve protein requirements for optimal muscle adaptations. Recent developments suggest that the identification of an “optimal” protein source should likely consider the characteristics of the protein and the food matrix in which it is consumed. This review aims to discuss recent concepts related to protein quality, and the potential interactive effects of the food matrix, to achieve optimal protein requirements and elicit a robust postprandial muscle protein synthetic response with an emphasis on the post-exercise recovery window.
Highlights
The ingestion of protein immediately after exercise [1] and throughout a prolonged recovery period [2, 3] is essential to stimulate muscle protein synthesis rates to facilitate remodeling and repair
There are limited data available with regards to the impact of whole food ingestion to contribute protein meal requirements to stimulate post-exercise muscle protein synthesis rates when compared to isolated protein sources
Values that used the scoring patterns for children older than 3 years, adolescents, and adults were selected a Values for digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) were calculated from the ileal digestibility of amino acids b Values for protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) were calculated from the total tract digestibility of crude protein c All values for DIAAS and PDCAAS were selected in humans, if available, growing pigs, or in growing rats in that order d Measured in humans e Measured in pigs f Measured in rats stable isotope amino acids has been useful to provide an index of food protein digestibility against the background of exercise in vivo in humans [25–27]
Summary
Whole protein foods are often more than their constituent amino acids, containing other non-protein nutritive components to facilitate nutrient–nutrient interactions, modulate nutrient behavior, and/or act directly as anabolic signaling molecules. A food-first approach to post-exercise protein intake will be beneficial for both the skeletal muscle adaptive response and diet quality for most people
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