The Claim

In trained cyclists, consuming a carbohydrate-protein supplement (7.8% dextrose, 1.8% protein) immediately after 45 minutes of cycling with sprints increases phosphorylation of Akt by 65%, mTOR by 86%, rpS6 by 85-fold, and GSK3α/β by 57% within 45 minutes of recovery compared to pre-exercise levels.

Source: Post exercise carbohydrate–protein supplementation: phosphorylation of muscle proteins involved in glycogen synthesis and protein translation

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
46score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

How it works
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In trained cyclists, a specific carbohydrate-protein drink consumed right after intense cycling increases the activation levels of four key signaling proteins—Akt, mTOR, rpS6, and GSK3α/β—within 45 minutes of recovery, compared to before exercise.

See the scientific wording

In trained cyclists, consuming a carbohydrate-protein supplement (7.8% dextrose, 1.8% protein) immediately after 45 minutes of cycling with sprints increases phosphorylation of Akt by 65%, mTOR by 86%, rpS6 by 85-fold, and GSK3α/β by 57% within 45 minutes of recovery, compared to pre-exercise levels, suggesting enhanced activation of signaling pathways that initiate muscle protein synthesis and glycogen storage.

Why this might work

After exercise, consuming sugar and protein causes blood insulin and amino acids to rise, which turns on a chain of signals in muscle cells. This chain first activates Akt, which then turns on mTOR, leading to increased protein building. At the same time, Akt blocks a brake called GSK3, allowing glycogen to be made faster. Both processes happen together in the same muscle cells within minutes after eating the supplement.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Post exercise carbohydrate–protein supplementation: phosphorylation of muscle proteins involved in glycogen synthesis and protein translation

    After intense biking, drinking a sugary protein drink turned on key signals in muscle cells that tell the body to rebuild muscle and store energy faster than drinking water alone.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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