Nutrient timing revisited: is there a post-exercise anabolic window?
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of existing literature without systematic review methodology described.
PubMed 23360586 · doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-5
What was done
The authors reviewed published literature regarding peri-exercise nutrient timing—specifically protein and carbohydrate consumption—to assess the validity of the post-exercise anabolic window of opportunity and provide practical recommendations for muscular adaptations.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, effect sizes, or specific study results. It states conceptually that the relevance and existence of a narrow post-exercise window varies based on multiple factors, and that recent evidence challenges the classical necessity of immediate post-workout intake for anabolism.
Why it matters
It questions the dogma of a strict, immediate post-exercise anabolic window, contextualizing nutrient timing relative to overall daily intake and individual training factors.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without detailing systematic search criteria, inclusion protocols, risk of bias assessment, or quantitative synthesis. No participant numbers, study counts, or specific outcome measures are reported in the record.
Cited by
- supports Muscle protein synthesis is not limited to an immediate 15- to 30-minute window post-workout; it remains elevated for 10 to 72 hours depending on training status.