Carbohydrates Do Not Add to Post-Exercise Benefits of Protein

Carbohydrates Do Not Add to Post-Exercise Benefits of Protein

Consuming whey protein and carbohydrates after a workout is no more effective than protein alone. Many recent studies found that post-exercise consumption of approximately 25 grams of whey protein stimulated protein synthesis. Insulin is a powerful anabolic hormone.

Researchers from McMaster University in Canada found that stimulating insulin release with carbohydrates after exercise did not augment protein synthesis greater than consuming a protein supplement alone. However, carbohydrate is the principal fuel for intense exercise, so post-exercise carbohydrate consumption will maximize liver and muscle glycogen storage and is a valuable practice for intensely training athletes. (Medicine Science Sports Exercise, published online November 16, 2010)