FIGURE 1.

Effect of ingesting protein at (a) three moments and (b) four moments including presleep on muscle protein synthesis and breakdown rates throughout the day. In the postabsorptive state, muscle protein breakdown rates exceed synthesis rates. Following protein ingestion, muscle protein synthesis rates increase while breakdown rates decrease, allowing net muscle accretion during the postprandial period. Ingestion of ample protein prior to sleep can increase overnight muscle protein synthesis rates and lower proteolysis. MPB, muscle protein breakdown; MPS, muscle protein synthesis.