Abstract
Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet at all stages of life for growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Adequate protein intake is especially critical during periods of catabolic crises, such as periods of disuse due to illness or injury, that accelerate the loss of muscle mass and function. Therefore, the primary objective of this talk will be discussing the implementation of whey protein to optimize nutritional practices and protein intake to mitigate the consequences of disuse and aging. Increased protein and/or energy intake can be a well-intentioned but often impractical strategy to protect muscle due to limitations such as a cost or issues with satiety. Whey protein offers a practical, palatable source of protein rich in leucine, the amino acid thought to initiate muscle protein synthesis. In a recent study, we sought to determine whether increase in dietary protein quality through use of whey protein could reduce the negative effects of physical inactivity in older human adults. Findings from this study showed that whey protein protected against muscle loss. Additionally, whey appeared to offer some protection against gaining fat mass during disuse and promoted recovery of strength during recovery. These findings suggest that improving protein quality (e.g. the addition of whey protein) without increasing total energy intake may partially protect against some of the negative effects of bed rest in older adults.
Keywords: whey protein, muscle mass