In a new study published in the March 14th 2007 issue of the journal Nutrition, French researchers examined effect of feeding leucine-rich protein sources on muscle protein synthesis in elderly rats.
In aging, muscle protein synthesis is inhibited by a decreased sensitivity of muscle cells to the amino acid leucine, and as a result, as we get older, our levels of muscle mass begin to decline. This study looked at whether proteins containing high levels of leucine could reverse this muscle-wasting process.
They found that leucine-rich proteins, especially whey proteins, did indeed significantly increase protein synthesis in these elderly animals, and concluded that leucine-rich foods like whey protein may be a valuable aid to people looking to safely and effectively maintain or increase muscle mass as they age.
Leucine – A Clue to Whey’s Remarkable Effects
Leucine has repeatedly been shown to significantly enhance protein synthesis, and whey protein has more leucine per gram than any other protein source – by far. Whey protein blows every other protein source out of the water when it comes to leucine content.
The CFM Whey Protein used in Integrated Supplements 100% Natural CFM Whey Protein Isolate, for example, contains 10,090 mg of leucine per 100 grams.
Compare that to 100 grams of some other foods:
http://www.nutritiondata.com/foods-000082000000000000000-w.html
So, it’s clear that much of whey’s remarkable and unique effects on optimizing protein synthesis may stem largely from its leucine content.
The authors of the above study also noted an interesting phenomenon: “. . . the beneficial effect was maintained after the 30-d supplementation” meaning that the increase of muscle mass the animals experienced was maintained AFTER they stopped taking the supplemental proteins – a very interesting finding indeed.
Who Can Benefit?
In our March 2007 Integrated Supplements Newsletter we spoke of the importance of quality whey protein supplementation for different populations including the elderly, those suffering from disease, and recovering from surgery. This study further reinforces our contention that a quality whey protein supplement is not only the best supplement for athletes and workout enthusiasts, but is a valuable supplement for anybody seeking to improve their overall health.
The study authors commented
“. . . nutritional supplements containing [leucine-rich proteins] may be efficient in preventing sarcopenia [age-related muscle wasting] in the elderly, and would represent a safe and optimized nutritional strategy.”
Why is research like this important?
Research like this is important, quite simply, because our healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, and cannot be relied upon to protect our health optimally. With healthcare costs for Americans over age 65 estimated to reach $16 trillion dollars per year by 2030, it is clear that preventative measures, implemented through the use of proper nutrition and supplementation, can not only be good for our health, but can save us all significant expense in the long run.
As healthcare costs escalate, it is absolutely essential to find simple, economical, and effective ways to prevent the harmful effects of aging and degenerative disease. It is important also to disseminate this information to as wide an audience as possible, especially to the aging population whose increasing medical needs could cripple an already strained healthcare system in the years to come.
Various studies have shown that very simple supplementation strategies, if implemented on a large scale could save the Untited States billions of dollars in healthcare costs per year:
http://www.supplementinfo.org/anm/templates/?a=465&z=6
So, studies like this make it increasingly clear that whey protein represents a VERY simple and VERY effective supplement which can positively affect health in people young and old.
But as we’ve so often stated, many whey proteins on the market are produced with cheap, inferior raw materials, and won’t even begin to give you the full benefit of a quality whey protein. Integrated Supplements CFM Whey Protein Isolate gives you:
The highest level of active, undenatured proteins
Zero Lactose
Zero Cholesterol per serving
No Artificial Colors
No Artificial Flavors
No Artificial Sweeteners
Great Taste
In fact, we’ve had many people call it the best tasting protein supplement they’ve ever tried.
We think you’ll find that staying healthy never tasted so good!
