Whey Protein More Effective for Developing Lean Muscle

ARLINGTON, Va.Whey protein, a complete protein providing one of the best sources of branched-chain amino acids, has been found to be more effective in developing lean muscle when compared with soy protein, according to new research presented recently at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting.

University of Connecticut researchers led the study, which was funded by the Dairy Research Institute. The researchers followed participants for nine months as they completed a resistance training program three times a week. They were given either 20 grams of whey protein concentrate, or soy isolate daily (at breakfast on non-training days or immediately following exercise).

After completing nine months of resistance training, all participants experienced increases in lean muscle mass. The gains for participants consuming whey protein (3.3 kg) were significantly greater than for participants consuming soy protein (1.8 kg) group, potentially due to the branched-chain amino acid content of the whey protein, the researchers said.

The study builds upon the growing research supporting the value of resistance training combined with whey protein supplementation in building lean muscle. Whey protein naturally contains leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that plays a significant role in muscle maintenance and repair. It cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through foods.

Protein is an essential nutrient that plays many important roles in Americans diets. Beyond building and repairing muscles it has been found to increase satiety and may combat age-related loss of muscle mass," said Keigan Park, Ph.D., director of nutrition research, Dairy Research Institute.

Whey protein also delivers these benefits with a fresh, neutral taste, which complements the intended flavor of a product and makes it an ideal ingredient, specifically for health-conscience consumers.