Whey protein helps with muscle weight gain

Researchers at the Federal University of Ouro Preto in Brazil assessed whether whey protein contributed to muscle weight gain in response to resistance exercise. They published their findings in the journal Nutrition Research.

• Whey protein is known for its nutritional value and antioxidant properties.
• In this study, the researchers hypothesized that consuming whey protein could increase muscle weight gain in rats subjected to a resistance exercise program by inhibiting oxidative stress caused by high-intensity resistance exercise.
• They divided 32 rats into four groups: control sedentary, control exercised, whey protein sedentary, and whey protein exercised groups.
• The resistance exercise program included sets of jumps for eight weeks.
• Then, the researchers measured body and muscle weight gains, muscle glutathione content, histopathology, muscle antioxidant enzyme activities, and gene expression.
• The results showed that exercised rats fed with whey protein had higher body and muscle weight gains compared to those of control exercised rats.
• Consumption of whey protein also inhibited the oxidative effects induced by resistance exercise.
• The researchers noted that these beneficial effects of whey protein may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

In sum, the findings of the study indicated that whey protein may be used as a nutritional supplement to support muscle growth.

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Journal Reference:

Teixeira KR, Silva ME, de Lima WG, Pedrosa ML, Haraguchi FK. WHEY PROTEIN INCREASES MUSCLE WEIGHT GAIN THROUGH INHIBITION OF OXIDATIVE EFFECTS INDUCED BY RESISTANCE EXERCISE IN RATS. Nutrition Research. October 2016; 36(10): 1081-1089. DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.08.003