Essential amino acids plus carbs speed up protein synthesis

by Newsletter Editor


Supplementing with a leucine-rich amino acid and carbohydrate combination can increase muscle protein synthesis by triggering important cell-signaling molecules.

Building on a previous study that showed taking an essential amino acid and carbohydrate combination during resistance exercise stimulated muscle protein synthesis, scientists from the University of Texas showed that taking this same solution following resistance exercise further increased muscle protein synthesis. They assessed 16 male subjects who took either nothing (control) or the amino acid/carbohydrate combination using sophisticated radioactive tracers to determine the activity of chemicals in new muscle tissue.

They found that after resistance exercise, those who took the supplement combination had a higher level of activated protein signaling molecules, which can result in greater muscle fiber size compared to those who took nothing (control).
Reference:
American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism: Feb 2008, Vol. 294, No. 2, Epub Dec 4, 2007