🔑 Key Takeaways
- Understanding insulin and glucose role in endurance exercising, the difference between animal and plant protein, and the importance of timing and type of protein from resistance training for muscle building.
- Researchers use stable isotopes to measure energy derived from carbohydrates in sports drinks during endurance exercise, providing accurate information on energy expenditure and sources of fuel.
- Athletes efficiently use stored fat as energy during exercise, while people with type 2 diabetes may struggle due to insulin resistance
- During exercise, athletes use intramuscular lipids as a fuel source, while individuals with diabetes keep them stored due to constant free fatty acids. Insulin's role is less significant in muscle uptake during exercise due to AMPK pathway stimulation, and muscles absorb more free fatty acids from inactive muscles.
- Athletes must consume sufficient fat during multi-day events to maintain optimal performance, as the body takes 45 minutes to prime fatty acids for use and relies on intramuscular fat stores. Replenishing glycogen and intramuscular fat within the first few hours is crucial.
- Exercising at least 150 minutes a week can maximize insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis benefits, while fatty acid uptake into muscle cells lasts up to 48 hours. MCTs may enhance fat oxidation during high-intensity exercise but gastrointestinal distress is a challenge. Carbohydrates remain a practical approach for most athletes.
- Athletes have structured muscle tissue due to efficient protein synthesis and metabolism, while sedentary individuals have unstructured muscle tissue, emphasizing the importance of proper protein intake for muscle health.
- Muscles are dynamic, constantly breaking down and building new proteins, requiring anabolic stimuli for maintenance through nutrition and exercise
- The body builds different types of proteins based on the specific demands of various training types, involving complex molecular pathways and nutrient availability.
- Adequate protein signaling and availability of amino acids are crucial for muscle protein synthesis, similar to a parking lot where cars can only enter when the light is green and there are cars present.
- Research shows that different forms and consumption methods of protein impact digestion, absorption rates, and subsequently muscle protein synthesis and metabolic responses.
- Thorough chewing, food type, preparation methods, and amino acid composition all influence digestion and absorption of nutrients, impacting health and well-being.
- Digestibility, rate of digestion, and amino acid composition impact muscle protein synthesis. Plant vs animal, cooked vs uncooked, and food processing affect digestibility. Chewing and processing rate digestion. Leucine-rich amino acids stimulate muscle growth.
- For optimal muscle protein synthesis, some individuals may need to consume 30 grams or more of protein per meal, especially when eating real food
- Older adults in hospitals receive only 0.8 grams of protein daily, falling short of recommended 1.2-1.5 grams, leading to significant muscle loss and increased risk of falls
- Age-related muscle loss isn't continuous or inevitable. It's a series of declines triggered by periods of inactivity, which can be prevented through regular physical activity, especially resistance training.
- A 100-gram protein dose can increase muscle protein synthesis for a longer period of time than previously thought, challenging the notion that the body can only effectively use around 40-50 grams of protein in a meal.
- Consuming protein immediately after a workout enhances muscle protein synthesis, making it more sensitive to food intake. Prioritize protein intake, especially after workouts, for muscle growth and recovery.
- Consuming protein after exercise doesn't change muscle growth or recovery, but long-term supplementation may enhance gains
- Maintain a balanced diet with enough protein, train consistently, and consider caloric restriction or intermittent fasting for weight loss. Be cautious with excessive time restriction to avoid disproportionate loss of lean mass.
- Adding protein shakes and resistance training outside of feeding window aids in preserving lean mass during weight loss, enhancing overall weight loss results and muscle growth.
- Aging can lead to anabolic resistance, a condition where the body has decreased ability to build muscle from protein. This is problematic as older adults often eat less and move less, worsening the issue. Causes include potential digestion, absorption, or muscle uptake issues, as well as insulin signaling.
- Physical activity is crucial for muscle sensitivity to amino acids and optimal protein assimilation. Immobility reduces muscle response, and exercising older individuals can help restore normal muscle function.
- Resistance training maintains muscle health, prevents negative side effects, and is essential for overall well-being during cancer treatment or hospitalization. Prioritizing exercise and proper nutrition can improve health outcomes.
- Eating protein-rich snacks before bed can enhance muscle recovery and growth, especially for older people or those recovering from illness.
- Collagen supplementation doesn't significantly boost muscle protein synthesis. Focus on essential aminos in meals instead.
- Understanding the unique protein needs of vulnerable populations and the brain's high protein turnover rate requires ongoing research
- Listeners can access curated content from previous episodes of The Drive podcast through 'Qualys', a member-only benefit. This is a convenient way to learn from past episodes without having to listen to each one in full.
📝 Podcast Summary
Discussing Insulin, Glucose, and Protein for Endurance Exercising
Professor Luke Van Loon, an internationally renowned researcher in skeletal muscle metabolism, exercise metabolism, sports and clinical nutrition, and aging, discussed the importance of insulin and glucose for endurance exercising and the role of protein in muscle protein synthesis. He highlighted the differences between animal and plant sources of protein, as well as specific types like whey and casein, and the impact of food preparation on protein digestion. The conversation also touched on the relationship between activity, lean mass, building muscle, and protein from resistance training, emphasizing the importance of timing and type of protein. Overall, the episode underscores the significance of understanding the science behind nutrition and protein to optimize health and wellness. To learn more about Luke's research and the benefits of a premium membership, visit peteratiamd.com/subscribe.
Measuring Carbohydrate Use in Endurance Exercise with Stable Isotopes
During endurance exercise, the body primarily uses carbohydrates as fuel, and researchers can measure the exact amount of energy derived from carbohydrates in sports drinks using stable isotope research. This method, called doubly labeled water, can provide accurate information about energy expenditure over a long period of time. The body has multiple sources of carbohydrates, including muscle and liver glycogen and plasma glucose, and researchers can distinguish between them using different labels. Additionally, researchers can study the use of intramuscular triglycerides and fatty acids. For endurance athletes, maintaining a steady supply of carbohydrates is crucial for preserving liver glycogen and optimizing performance.
Athlete's muscles adapt to use more fat during exercise
During exercise, the body of an athlete adapts to use more fat as an energy source, storing more intramuscular triglycerides. These triglycerides are located inside muscle fibers and are readily accessible for energy provision, especially at the beginning of exercise. Mitochondria, the energy producers in cells, are attached to these lipid droplets, acting like a backpack. This adaptation allows athletes to use their limited carbohydrate stores more efficiently. The muscle cells of an athlete and someone with type 2 diabetes may contain fat, but the presence of mitochondria on the lipid drolets is a key difference. In the case of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance may prevent the efficient use of these lipids as an energy source.
Intramuscular lipids: A substrate source for athletes vs permanent storage for individuals with diabetes
During exercise, the role of intramuscular lipids varies significantly between athletes and individuals with diabetes. In athletes, these lipids serve as a substrate source that is constantly being used, while in individuals with diabetes, they remain in a permanent storage state due to the constant presence of free fatty acids in the circulation. Insulin plays a role in determining the rate of esterification and lipolysis in the fat cell, but during exercise, insulin's role in facilitating fat uptake is less significant due to the stimulation of the AMPK pathway. A fascinating finding from a study was that during exercise, the muscle takes in more free fatty acids from inactive muscles, leading to an increase in intramuscular lipids. Athletes have the capacity to consume fat during steady-state exercise, but they may choose to limit carbohydrate intake due to the potential GI discomfort of consuming large amounts for extended periods. Overall, understanding the role of intramuscular lipids and insulin in muscle function during exercise can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying insulin sensitivity and resistance.
During long endurance events, the body relies on fat for energy
During endurance events lasting over 20 hours, the body relies on a combination of glycogen, endogenous fat stores, and exogenous substrates like fat and protein for energy. While glycogen is important, especially in the first few hours, fat becomes increasingly crucial for longer events due to its longer replenishment time. Ultra-endurance athletes report that they cannot perform optimally without sufficient fat intake during multi-day events. The body takes around 45 minutes to prime fatty acids for use, making it essential to maintain adequate intramuscular fat stores. The window for replenishing intramuscular fat and glycogen is within the first few hours following exercise, with insulin-independent glucose uptake allowing for efficient muscle storage. Exercise itself helps maintain glucose homeostasis by activating GLUT4 transporters in the muscle membrane, enhancing glucose uptake without the need for insulin.
Exercise's Impact on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Homeostasis Lasts Up to 48 Hours
The window for insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis improvement after exercise lasts up to 24 hours. For those with diabetes, aiming for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week can maximize the benefits from each meal. The fatty acid uptake into muscle cells also continues for up to 48 hours. Intramuscular triglycerides and free fatty acids from adipose tissue contribute equally to fat oxidation during exercise. Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) can enhance fat oxidation during high-intensity exercise, but gastrointestinal distress is a challenge in consuming large volumes. Research on MCTs as a performance enhancer is ongoing, but carbohydrate use remains a more practical approach for most athletes. The athletes' paradox of high intramuscular fatty acids in diabetic and obese individuals, as well as athletes, sparked an interest in diabetes research and exercise to improve insulin sensitivity and substrate metabolism.
Muscle tissue quality differs between athletes and sedentary populations
The quality of muscle tissue differs significantly between active individuals, such as athletes, and sedentary populations, like those with diabetes. The muscle tissue of athletes is firm and structured, resembling a piece of good steak, while the muscle tissue of sedentary individuals is more akin to a blob with no structure. This difference is due to changes in protein synthesis and metabolism. Protein is a crucial macronutrient made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all tissues, including muscle. Humans can produce some amino acids endogenously, but nine essential amino acids must be obtained through diet. Amino acids not only serve as building blocks but also directly stimulate muscle protein synthesis by activating the mTOR pathway. Every day, the body synthesizes approximately 300 grams of protein, with an average person consuming around 70-100 grams per day. The remaining protein comes from the breakdown of tissues and their subsequent recycling. Understanding the importance of protein and its role in muscle health can provide valuable insights into maintaining muscle quality and overall health.
Muscles are constantly evolving
Our muscles are constantly breaking down and building new proteins, with a turnover rate of about one to two percent per day. This means that the proteins in our muscles are completely refurbished every 50 to 100 days. To maintain muscle mass, we need to provide anabolic stimuli through nutrition and exercise to counteract the natural breakdown process. The process is measured by infusing stable isotope-labeled amino acids and tracking their synthesis rates in muscle tissue. This fascinating discovery sheds light on the dynamic nature of our bodies and highlights the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for muscle health. It's a reminder that our bodies are not static, but rather constantly evolving and adapting.
The body responds differently to various types of training in terms of muscle protein synthesis
While we know that protein intake and exercise stimulate muscle protein synthesis, the body's response in terms of which proteins to build and in what structure is still a mystery. The body seems to make different adaptations based on the type of training, such as building myofibrillar protein in bodybuilders and mitochondrial protein in endurance athletes. The exact molecular signal from the tension on the muscle to the synthesis of specific sets of proteins is complex and involves numerous pathways, some of which are still not fully understood. It is known that different fibers are recruited in different types of training, but this is not the complete answer. For example, high rep, low weight training can also lead to hypertrophy and the recruitment of type 2 fibers. The bodybuilder's upregulation of mTOR and the role of nutrient availability in muscle protein synthesis are also important factors, but the cascade from stimulus to muscle protein synthesis is still not fully understood.
Protein synthesis requires both signaling and amino acids
The body requires both the right signaling responses and the availability of amino acids for sustained muscle protein synthesis. This is similar to having a parking lot where cars can only enter when the light is green and there are cars present. The digestion of protein begins in the stomach with the addition of acid, followed by the breakdown of protein in the duodenum and the release of free amino acids. Some amino acids are used to build intestinal protein, while others are released into the portal vein and eventually the circulation for use by various tissues. Unlike fat and glucose, which can be stored in large quantities, excess protein is not stored as such but can be oxidized or, over time, converted into fat. Contrary to popular belief, not all excess amino acids are immediately oxidized, and a significant portion can be stored as protein, particularly in muscle tissue. The recent study mentioned in the discussion further highlights the importance of the type and timing of amino acid intake for muscle protein synthesis.
The form and consumption method of protein affect digestion, absorption, and muscle protein synthesis
The way our bodies process protein, specifically through digestion and absorption, plays a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis and overall energy balance. Researchers have gone to great lengths to understand this process, including using intrinsically labeled protein from cows to study the digestion and absorption of amino acids. These studies have shown that the form of protein, such as casein versus whey, can impact digestion and absorption rates, leading to differences in muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, the way protein is consumed, such as in the form of a steak versus minced meat, can also impact digestion and absorption rates, potentially influencing muscle protein synthesis and metabolic responses. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering the role of protein processing in our understanding of muscle growth and energy balance.
The way we prepare and consume our food impacts digestion and nutrient absorption
The way we prepare and consume our food significantly impacts digestion and absorption of nutrients. For instance, chewing thoroughly can enhance the antibiotic response to feeding and improve overall digestion. The type of food and its preparation methods also matter. Ground beef, for example, has faster gastric emptying and more rapid digestion and absorption due to the easier attachment of enzymes. Similarly, rapidly digestible proteins like whey stimulate muscle protein synthesis to a greater extent compared to slowly digestible proteins like casein, despite similar digestion and absorption rates. The amino acid composition, particularly the amount of leucine, also plays a role in the metabolic response. Ultimately, the food choices we make and how we prepare them can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.
Factors Influencing Muscle Protein Synthesis
The rate and efficiency of muscle protein synthesis are influenced by multiple factors, including the digestibility of the protein source, the rate of digestion, and the composition of amino acids. Digestibility can differ between plant-derived and animal-derived proteins, as well as between cooked and uncooked proteins. The rate of digestion can be affected by factors such as food processing and chewing. Lastly, the composition of amino acids, particularly leucine, plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. When aiming to optimize muscle protein synthesis for lean body mass maintenance or growth, it's essential to consider these factors and their interactions. The goal may not always be to maximize muscle protein synthesis at the highest peak, but rather to achieve a sustained, time-released effect.
Protein intake for muscle protein synthesis
For optimal muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults, consuming around 20 grams of protein per meal is recommended. However, this assumption is based on studies using milk and egg protein concentrates. Real food may require a larger serving size due to lower digestibility and absorption rates. Therefore, some individuals may need to consume 30 grams or more of protein per meal to achieve the same effect. The need for more protein intake does not equate to advocating a high protein diet. Even sedentary individuals already consume more than the recommended minimum of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body mass per day. Healthy, active individuals naturally consume more protein, ranging from 1.1 to 1.3 grams per kilogram per day, without conscious effort. Medical professionals often recommend higher protein intakes, up to 1.6 grams per kilogram for muscle growth and even up to 2 grams per kilogram for high-volume training.
Older adults in hospitals aren't getting enough protein during their stay
Older adults undergoing elective hip or knee surgery in hospitals are not receiving enough protein to maintain muscle mass during their stay. Despite clinical guidelines recommending 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass daily, these patients are only receiving 0.8 grams and consuming 0.5 grams, leading to a significant loss of lean muscle mass – approximately 1.4 kilograms or 3 pounds in just four days. This rapid muscle loss, particularly of type 2 fibers, which are essential for power and strength, can make older adults more susceptible to falls and hinder their recovery. Additionally, early hospital discharge due to COVID-19 concerns may further exacerbate muscle loss by limiting opportunities for type 2 fiber activation through daily activities, such as climbing stairs.
Discrete declines in muscle loss during aging
Age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, is not a continuous, inevitable process. Instead, it's a series of discrete declines precipitated by periods of inactivity. These declines can be deliberate, such as taking a vacation, or forced by injury or illness. The belief that muscle loss is an unavoidable part of aging is a misconception. Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle leads to deterioration in various systems, including cardiovascular health and brain function. Therefore, a muscle-centric view of aging might be the most important perspective. Regular physical activity, ideally resistance training, can help prevent these declines and improve overall health and well-being in older adults.
Whey vs Casein Protein: Differences in Digestion and Muscle Synthesis
The difference between whey and casein protein, when consumed in identical amounts, lies in their digestion speed and the resulting impact on muscle protein synthesis. While whey protein is rapidly digested and absorbed, leading to a greater spike in essential amino acid concentrations and a more significant stimulation of muscle protein synthesis, casein protein is slower to digest. However, over longer periods of time, casein catches up and contributes to muscle protein synthesis as well. A recent study challenged the conventional thinking that the body can only effectively use around 40-50 grams of protein in a meal for muscle protein synthesis. This study, which used intrinsically labeled protein and intravenous infusions of amino acids, found that a 100-gram protein dose still increased muscle protein synthesis for a longer period of time, suggesting that the body's response to protein intake may be underestimated due to the limited duration of previous studies. Despite this new finding, it's important to note that having a distribution of protein intake throughout the day is still recommended for optimal muscle health, rather than relying on one large meal or drastically reducing the number of meals consumed. The body is capable of utilizing protein for a longer period of time than previously thought, and the response to protein intake can vary greatly depending on the individual and the duration of measurement.
Impact of protein source on muscle protein synthesis
The source of protein, whether it's from casein or whey, significantly impacts the rate of muscle protein synthesis. While casein has a slower digestion rate and may promote muscle protein synthesis for a longer period, whey is rapidly digested and absorbed, peaking within 30-75 minutes. However, when comparing meals instead of protein powders, cooked meat or animal-derived proteins have similar kinetics to concentrated protein isolates. Consuming a full meal with vegetables, potatoes, and fiber takes longer to digest and absorb, around 2-3 hours longer. From a practical standpoint, consuming protein immediately after a workout significantly enhances muscle protein synthesis, making the muscle more sensitive to the anabolic response to food intake. This effect lasts beyond the immediate post-workout meal and carries over to the next day's meals. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize protein intake, especially after workouts, to maximize muscle growth and recovery.
Timing of protein intake after exercise doesn't significantly impact muscle gain or recovery
The timing of protein intake after exercise may influence when the response occurs, but it doesn't necessarily impact the total amount of muscle gain or recovery. The study found that consuming 60 grams of protein immediately after exercise did not reduce the response to breakfast the next morning. However, there is evidence that long-term protein supplementation can increase muscle mass and strength gains. It's important to note that the long-term benefits of consuming a rapidly absorbed, high-quality protein immediately after exercise are still unclear. Overall, while there is no downside to consuming a protein supplement following a workout, it's important to consider the potential drawback of relying too heavily on supplements and neglecting whole foods in your diet.
Proper nutrition and consistent training key for weight loss
Proper nutrition, specifically containing sufficient protein and good foods, is crucial before considering protein supplements. Consistent training and a caloric deficit are key factors in weight loss, achieved through strategies such as caloric restriction, dietary restriction, or time restriction (intermittent fasting). However, it's essential to note that intermittent fasting may not lead to additional weight loss when caloric intake is normalized throughout the day. Additionally, under-muscled individuals should be cautious with excessive time restriction due to potential disproportionate loss of lean mass.
Preserving Lean Mass During Weight Loss
Time-restricted feeding can help with weight loss, but it may be challenging for women with low lean mass to consume enough protein during their feeding window. To address this issue, adding protein shakes outside of the feeding window and incorporating resistance training can help preserve lean mass while losing fat mass. This approach allows individuals to achieve their goals of weight loss and muscle preservation simultaneously. Additionally, regular exercise enhances the body's response to protein intake, making every meal more effective in promoting muscle growth.
Understanding Anabolic Resistance in Aging
Physical inactivity and aging can lead to anabolic resistance, which is the body's decreased ability to build muscle from the protein we consume. This is problematic because when we become sick or less active, we both eat less and move less, exacerbating the issue. The cause of anabolic resistance is still not fully understood, but it may involve issues with digestion, absorption, or muscle uptake of amino acids, as well as insulin signaling. Researchers are currently exploring these areas to better understand the underlying mechanisms and find ways to mitigate anabolic resistance. An early study on anabolic resistance was conducted by Mike Renney and his team in 2005, who observed that older adults had a reduced muscle protein synthetic response to essential amino acids compared to young adults. This concept was later confirmed by other studies, revealing that while basal protein synthesis is similar between young and older adults, the muscle's response to protein intake is diminished in older populations.
Muscle response to amino acids and protein assimilation depends on physical activity
Physical activity plays a crucial role in muscle sensitivity to amino acids and protein assimilation. When muscle is immobilized, even for a short period, it becomes less responsive, demonstrating a significant anabolic resistance. This effect is more pronounced than the age-related differences in muscle response. Therefore, maintaining physical activity is essential for optimal muscle function throughout the lifespan. Additionally, exercising older individuals can help bring their muscle response back to normal levels, suggesting that activity may be the primary determinant of anabolic resistance.
The importance of resistance training for muscle health during cancer treatment or hospitalization
Physical activity, specifically resistance training, is crucial for maintaining muscle health and overall well-being at any age, even during cancer treatment or hospitalization. Despite the lack of hormones or proper nutrition, muscle mass can still be gained and negative side effects can be prevented. Unfortunately, there's a disconnect in medicine when it comes to implementing these simple yet effective interventions alongside treatments. The medical system should prioritize and communicate the importance of exercise and proper nutrition as essential medical interventions to build trust and improve health outcomes. A small change, such as providing protein before sleep, could make a significant difference in muscle preservation. It's time to prioritize these interventions and bridge the gap between what we know and what is being practiced.
Consuming protein before bed aids muscle recovery
Consuming a protein-rich snack before bed can help with muscle recovery and reconditioning, as well as potentially prevent muscle loss in older people or those in the hospital. This is because the body continues to synthesize muscle protein during sleep, and providing additional protein in the evening can lead to increased protein intake and improved muscle recovery. Additionally, while collagen is a valuable source of glycine and proline, it is not necessary to consume collagen supplements specifically for these amino acids, as they are already present in a balanced form in animal-derived proteins and milk proteins. The body also synthesizes both myofibrillar and muscle connective proteins in response to exercise, but only myofibrillar protein synthesis is increased by the ingestion of protein. Therefore, focusing on consuming a high-quality protein source, such as animal-derived protein or milk protein, is the most effective way to support muscle recovery and growth.
Collagen's Role in Muscle Protein Synthesis
Collagen supplementation does not significantly increase connective tissue protein synthesis rates in muscle compared to whey or casein protein, especially in the presence of exercise. The muscle contains only a few percent of collagen, so it might be more important for tendons, ligaments, bone, and cartilage. However, collagen is a good source of glycine and protein, but it's a low-quality protein from the perspective of amino acid balance. To maximize muscle protein synthesis, aim for 2-3 grams of leucine in a meal, and focus on getting enough leucine, lysine, and methionine across the day or in a meal, rather than worrying too much about the specific protein source. Well-balanced meals with different plant-based proteins can compensate for the lower content of these essential amino acids.
Exploring the complex relationship between nutrition, health, and the human body
While plant-based diets may have health benefits for some, it's important to consider the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as those with health conditions or eating less due to illness. High-quality protein sources are crucial for these individuals to maintain lean mass and overall health. Additionally, the brain's protein turnover rate is almost three times as high as muscle, and every organ in the body is constantly breaking down and building up, which is a fascinating aspect of human biology. Researchers like Luke are exploring questions related to this, such as which amino acids are disproportionately used by the brain. Overall, understanding the complex interplay between nutrition, health, and the human body requires ongoing research and exploration. If you're interested in diving deeper into these topics, consider becoming a member for exclusive access to premium content.
Exploring the Best of The Drive with Peter Attia through 'Qualys'
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