Abstract
Ingestion of protein is crucial for maintenance of a variety of body functions and within the scope of this review we will specifically focus on the regulation of skeletal muscle mass. A quantitative limitation exists as to how much muscle protein the body can synthesize in response to protein intake. Ingestion of excess protein exerts an unwanted load to the body and therefore, it is important to find the least amount of protein that provides the maximal hypertrophic stimulus. Hence, research has focused on revealing the relationship between protein intake (dose) and its resulting stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (response). In addition to the protein amount, the protein digestibility and, hence, the availability of its constituent amino acids is decisive for the response. In this regard, recent studies have provided in-depth knowledge about the time-course of the muscle protein synthetic response dependent on the characteristics of the protein ingested. The effect of protein intake on muscle protein accretion can further be stimulated by prior exercise training. In the ageing population, physical training may counteract the development of “anabolic resistance” and restore the beneficial effect of protein feeding. Presently, our knowledge is based on measures obtained in standardized experimental settings or during long-term intervention periods. However, to improve coherence between these types of data and to further improve our knowledge of the effects of protein ingestion, other investigative approaches than those presently used are requested.
Highlights
The preservation and development of skeletal muscle mass is essential for maintenance of health and life quality
While most amino acids (AA) are contained in proteins, it appears only to be the essential amino acid (EAA) that stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and, non-essential AA do not have any additional effect on MPS [21]
It is commonly known that the quantity and quality (AA composition and digestibility) of a given protein intake have fundamental consequences for the changes in protein metabolism achieved by the intake
Summary
The preservation and development of skeletal muscle mass is essential for maintenance of health and life quality. The skeletal muscle makes up the primary site for disposal of nutrients and energy consumption in the body and, plays an essential role for weight regulation. Skeletal muscle mass is important in protecting against the development of metabolic conditions such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes [1,2]. Skeletal muscle makes up a huge storage of amino acids (AA), which, when recruited, are crucial for making acute phase proteins in the fight against critical illness or in wound healing following severe trauma [1]. Limiting the loss of skeletal muscle mass during periods of illness or injury is essential to decrease patient morbidity and increase recovery outcome [3]. We will discuss in which directions future research in this field should focus
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