Frontiers in Nutrition (May 2024)

Timing matters? The effects of two different timing of high protein diets on body composition, muscular performance, and biochemical markers in resistance-trained males

  • Mohammadyasin Lak,
  • Reza Bagheri,
  • Hamid Ghobadi,
  • Bill Campbell,
  • Alexei Wong,
  • Amin Shahrbaf,
  • Mohammad Shariatzadeh,
  • Fred Dutheil

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1397090
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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BackgroundIt is unclear whether resistance training in combination with different timing of protein intake might have differential effects on muscle hypertrophy, strength, and performance. Therefore, we compared the effects of 8 weeks of resistance training combined with two different high-protein diet strategies (immediately pre-and after, or 3 h pre and after exercise) in resistance-trained males.MethodsForty resistance-trained males (24 ± 4 years) performed 8 weeks of resistance training combined with 2 g kg−1 d−1 protein. Body composition, muscular performance, and biochemical markers were assessed pre and post-intervention.ResultsNine participants (four from 3 h group and five from the immediate group) withdrew from the study. Therefore, 31 participants completed the study. All measures of skeletal muscle mass, Australian pull-up, and muscle strength, significantly increased post-intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). The biochemical marker urea also significantly increased from pre to post in both groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05).ConclusionHigh-protein diet enhances muscular performance and skeletal muscle mass in resistance-trained males, irrespective of intake time. Consequently, the total daily protein intake appears to be the primary factor in facilitating muscle growth induced by exercise.

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