Protein Utilization for Muscle Growth

<h1>Protein Utilization for Muscle Growth</h1>Author: <a title="Roger Grant" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/roger-grant/27476.htm">Roger Grant</a> Protein is the nutrient which attracts the most attention among bodybuilders and strength athletes. This is perfectly logical because protein is a key structural component of lean tissue such as skeletal muscle. Many serious weightlifters conscientiously monitor their protein intake to ensure that they are getting enough in order to support muscle growth. However, protein that is absorbed but is not utilized simply becomes a pure calorie source and not much else. For this reason, it is extremely important to understand protein utilization. The first step in understanding protein utilization, is knowing what happens to protein when we consume it. Whenever protein is consumed, it is broken down into individual amino acids which are then absorbed and transported via the portal vein into the liver where many of them are reconstructed back into proteins. This happens because proteins that are absorbed intact can be mistaken for pathogens by the immune system and are likely to cause allergic reactions. The percentage of the amino acids that are reconstructed back into proteins is the percentage that represents the protein utilization. If we wish to make the most of our protein intake in order to maximize muscle growth, it is important to consider and account for the various factors that affect protein utilization. With that in mind, here are some major factors that affect the body’s ability to utilize amino acids for protein synthesis: Protein Quality: As previously mentioned, ingested protein is essentially a packaging for the amino acids. It is also important to know that some of these amino acids (essential amino acids) cannot be made in the human body and are therefore essential nutrients for protein synthesis. Any protein source, that is deficient in these essential amino acids, is deficient in vital nutrients and is therefore an incomplete protein. Once the body runs out of the most deficient of the essential amino acids, the remaining amino acids are broken down and used for energy (Calories). A good analogy is that a car factory that runs out of engines will have to stop making cars. Protein Absorption Rate and Anabolic Stimulus: If amino acids are absorbed in greater amounts or at greater rates than they can be used, then the unused amino acids are likely to be broken down and used for energy, with the nitrogenous material excreted as urea. As an analogy, It is hard to fill a teaspoon with a fire hose without causing a spill. However, if the body is in an anabolic state, a much greater percentage of the absorbed amino acids will be used for protein synthesis. For this reason, rapidly absorbed proteins such as whey protein are best taken after a weight training workout, while more slowly absorbed proteins are best at other times. This reason also explains why consuming large quantities of protein without working out is of no muscle building benefit to the consumer. Carbohydrate Intake: In order to appreciate the role of carbohydrate intake, we need to understand that carbohydrates are needed as energy sources for the brain and the kidneys. If the body is deprived of carbohydrates, then it will break down the amino acids from protein in order to make glucose for these functions (in a process called gluconeogenesis). In addition, some amino acids are only suitable for making ketone bodies and the body will use them accordingly to supplement energy demands in order to free up more glucose molecules for use where they are needed. Although some ketosis is due to lipolysis, a large percentage is due to protein breakdown. It is no surprise that gluconeogenesis and ketosis are starvation processes and are therefore profoundly catabolic. In this state, amino acid utilization for protein synthesis is severely degraded because the amino acids are being broken down for energy. In fact, severe carbohydrate deprivation will cause the person to lose muscle mass regardless of high protein intake. If we want to get the most muscle growth from our protein intake, then applying the above principles will be crucial to success. Protein sources should always be of high quality. It is also best to consume slowly absorbed proteins frequently throughout the day and use rapidly absorbed proteins right after a workout. We should also avoid all starvation diets including low carb diets. About the Author: In addition to maintaining his career as a professional pilot, Roger has spent much time pursuing formal and self directed studies of the human physiology and metabolism. He is also qualified as a health nutritionist and a fitness trainer. He has written articles for <a href="http://www.spartafit.com" /><a href="http://www.spartafit.com." target="_blank">www.spartafit.com.</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/muscle-building-articles/protein-utilization-for-muscle-growth-668298.html" title="Protein Utilization for Muscle Growth">Protein Utilization for Muscle Growth</a>

Protein is the nutrient which attracts the most attention among bodybuilders and strength athletes. This is perfectly logical because protein is a key structural component of lean tissue such as skeletal muscle. Many serious weightlifters conscientiously monitor their protein intake to ensure that they are getting enough in order to support muscle growth. However, protein that is absorbed but is not utilized simply becomes a pure calorie source and not much else. For this reason, it is extremely important to understand protein utilization.

The first step in understanding protein utilization, is knowing what happens to protein when we consume it. Whenever protein is consumed, it is broken down into individual amino acids which are then absorbed and transported via the portal vein into the liver where many of them are reconstructed back into proteins. This happens because proteins that are absorbed intact can be mistaken for pathogens by the immune system and are likely to cause allergic reactions. The percentage of the amino acids that are reconstructed back into proteins is the percentage that represents the protein utilization.

If we wish to make the most of our protein intake in order to maximize muscle growth, it is important to consider and account for the various factors that affect protein utilization. With that in mind, here are some major factors that affect the body’s ability to utilize amino acids for protein synthesis:

Protein Quality: As previously mentioned, ingested protein is essentially a packaging for the amino acids. It is also important to know that some of these amino acids (essential amino acids) cannot be made in the human body and are therefore essential nutrients for protein synthesis. Any protein source, that is deficient in these essential amino acids, is deficient in vital nutrients and is therefore an incomplete protein. Once the body runs out of the most deficient of the essential amino acids, the remaining amino acids are broken down and used for energy (Calories). A good analogy is that a car factory that runs out of engines will have to stop making cars.

Protein Absorption Rate and Anabolic Stimulus: If amino acids are absorbed in greater amounts or at greater rates than they can be used, then the unused amino acids are likely to be broken down and used for energy, with the nitrogenous material excreted as urea. As an analogy, It is hard to fill a teaspoon with a fire hose without causing a spill. However, if the body is in an anabolic state, a much greater percentage of the absorbed amino acids will be used for protein synthesis. For this reason, rapidly absorbed proteins such as whey protein are best taken after a weight training workout, while more slowly absorbed proteins are best at other times. This reason also explains why consuming large quantities of protein without working out is of no muscle building benefit to the consumer.

Carbohydrate Intake: In order to appreciate the role of carbohydrate intake, we need to understand that carbohydrates are needed as energy sources for the brain and the kidneys. If the body is deprived of carbohydrates, then it will break down the amino acids from protein in order to make glucose for these functions (in a process called gluconeogenesis). In addition, some amino acids are only suitable for making ketone bodies and the body will use them accordingly to supplement energy demands in order to free up more glucose molecules for use where they are needed. Although some ketosis is due to lipolysis, a large percentage is due to protein breakdown. It is no surprise that gluconeogenesis and ketosis are starvation processes and are therefore profoundly catabolic. In this state, amino acid utilization for protein synthesis is severely degraded because the amino acids are being broken down for energy. In fact, severe carbohydrate deprivation will cause the person to lose muscle mass regardless of high protein intake.

If we want to get the most muscle growth from our protein intake, then applying the above principles will be crucial to success. Protein sources should always be of high quality. It is also best to consume slowly absorbed proteins frequently throughout the day and use rapidly absorbed proteins right after a workout. We should also avoid all starvation diets including low carb diets.

In addition to maintaining his career as a professional pilot, Roger has spent much time pursuing formal and self directed studies of the human physiology and metabolism. He is also qualified as a health nutritionist and a fitness trainer. He has written articles for www.spartafit.com.

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Article Tags: Muscle, Protein, Amino Acids, Muscle Growth, Protein Utilization

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