The Claim
In young, healthy men undergoing 10 days of 40% energy restriction, a protein intake of 2.4 g/kg/d attenuates the decline in muscle protein synthesis compared to a protein intake of 1.2 g/kg/d, but does not prevent it.
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.
In young, healthy men on a severe calorie-restricted diet for 10 days, consuming 2.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day reduces the loss of muscle protein synthesis compared to consuming 1.2 grams per kilogram per day, but does not stop it entirely.
See the scientific wording
In young, healthy men, elevated protein intake (2.4 g/kg/d) during 10 days of 40% energy restriction does not prevent the decline in muscle protein synthesis but attenuates it compared to lower intake (1.2 g/kg/d), suggesting that while high protein is beneficial, it is insufficient alone to fully maintain anabolic rates during severe calorie restriction.
When the body gets much less energy, it slows down muscle building because the system that tells muscles to make protein becomes less active. Eating more protein gives the body more building blocks, which keeps that system partially active, so muscles don't stop making protein as much, but they still make less than normal because the energy shortage overrides the signal completely.
What the research says
1 studyWhen people eat much less food, their muscles stop making protein as fast—but eating more protein slows down that slowdown. It helps, but doesn’t stop it completely.
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.