Protein type does not affect muscle growth: scientists debunk popular myth

A new study by American scientists has shown that the source of protein - animal or plant - does not have a significant impact on the rate of muscle protein synthesis and mass gain after workouts. The work of specialists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

The experiment involved 40 young physically active volunteers. For nine days, they followed different diets: some adhered to a vegan diet enriched with amino acids, while others followed a traditional diet with animal products. The quantity and quality of protein were strictly controlled. Every three days, participants performed physical exercises.

Based on the analysis, the researchers concluded: the type of protein consumed does not affect the rate of muscle protein synthesis and does not impact muscle mass gain. The scientists also noted that the even distribution of protein throughout the day does not have a noticeable effect on muscle growth processes.

Interestingly, against the backdrop of global research, animal protein consumption in Russia has reached record levels in the entire history of observations.