The Claim
Fasting plasma leucine concentrations are elevated by 20% and postexercise plasma leucine concentrations increase more than twofold following whey protein ingestion compared to soy protein or carbohydrate ingestion during resistance training, and these elevations are positively correlated with gains in lean body mass.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
When people consume whey protein during resistance training, their fasting blood leucine levels rise by 20% and their post-exercise blood leucine levels more than double compared to when they consume soy protein or carbohydrates, and these increases are associated with greater gains in lean body mass.
See the scientific wording
Fasting plasma leucine concentrations are elevated by 20% and postexercise plasma leucine increases more than twofold following whey protein ingestion compared to soy or carbohydrate during resistance training, and these elevations are positively correlated with lean body mass gains.
When whey protein is consumed, it breaks down quickly and sends a large amount of leucine into the blood. This leucine enters muscle cells and turns on a molecular switch called mTORC1, which tells the cell to build more muscle proteins. Over time, this leads to bigger muscles and more lean body mass.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Whey Protein Supplementation During Resistance Training Augments Lean Body Mass
When people drank whey protein after working out, their blood leucine levels shot up much higher than when they drank soy or sugar, and those with higher leucine levels gained more muscle. So yes, whey helps more — and the science backs it up.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.