Protein Blend Fuels Post-Workout Muscle Building

SAN DIEGOConsuming a blend of proteins (isolated soy protein, whey protein and casein) provides a prolonged delivery of amino acids to the muscles, making it optimal for consumption following resistance exercise compared to intake of whey protein alone, according to new research presented at the Experimental Biology 2012 conference today.

"The results of this study are critical for sports nutrition consumers and regularly active individuals," said Dr. Blake Rasmussen, professor and interim chair of the Department of Nutrition & Metabolism at the University of Texas Medical Branch and the senior author of the study.

Soy, whey and casein proteins are all absorbed at different rates during digestion. Whey protein is referred to as a "fast" protein because it is rapidly absorbed whereas casein, a "slow" protein, requires several hours to be digested. The ability of soy protein to deliver amino acids is intermediate," meaning concentrations in blood peak somewhat later compared to whey, but its digestion rate is much quicker than casein. The researchers said the effect of all three of these proteins combined appears to provide the extended release of amino acid delivery to the muscles. The protein blend used in the study consisted of 25% isolated soy protein (Solae SUPRO®), 25% isolated whey protein and 50% casein.

Your muscles dont recover in 30 minutes. It takes at least 24-48 hours for your muscles to recover after a resistance exercise," said Greg Paul, global marketing director for sports nutrition and weight management, Solae. This study showed that protein blends can provide amino acid delivery for up to five hours, meaning if you consume a product or protein shake with these blends, the prolonged effect will deliver essential amino acids to feed your muscles until your next meal."