Update on maximal anabolic response to dietary protein.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and theoretical derivation without systematic review methodology
PubMed 28807333 · doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.05.029
What was done
The authors reviewed literature on net protein balance (synthesis minus breakdown) following dietary protein ingestion. They examined methodological issues in studies that proposed a 20–35 g maximal single-meal threshold based solely on muscle protein synthesis, and derived a theoretical model incorporating suppression of protein breakdown and whole-body tissue contributions.
What was found
The abstract reports no primary experimental data or quantitative effect sizes. Based on theoretical derivation and literature review, the authors concluded that a practical limit to the maximal anabolic response from a single meal is unlikely, and that maximizing 24-hour anabolism is best achieved by increasing protein intake at breakfast and lunch without reducing intake at dinner.
Why it matters
This review challenges the concept of a strict 20–35 g ceiling on per-meal protein utilization by emphasizing whole-body net protein balance over isolated muscle protein synthesis.
Limits
The publication is a narrative review and theoretical model rather than a primary clinical trial or systematic review. The abstract provides no quantitative experimental metrics or empirical validation of the suggested distribution strategy.
Cited by
- context Consuming 30 grams of beef protein alone stimulates more muscle protein synthesis than consuming 70 grams of beef protein as part of a mixed meal with carbohydrates and vegetables.