Even though these protein shakes had less amino acids than previously thought necessary, they still effectively boosted muscle protein building in young men.

Scientific Claim

In 10 young healthy males, a 10 g dose of β-lactoglobulin (5.6 g EAA) and whey protein isolate (4.7 g EAA) stimulated skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates robustly despite being below the previously established optimal EAA dose of 8.6-10 g.

Original Statement

“Both BLG and WPI had lower quantities of EAA than thought optimal (5.6 g vs. 4.7 g EAA, respectively), yet robust stimulation of MPS was still achieved. Previous research demonstrated that ~10 g EAA in non-exercised conditions, or ~8.6 g EAA in exercised conditions, was sufficient to stimulate MPS robustly and maximally in healthy young participants.”

From study:The Effect of Leucine-Enriched β-Lactoglobulin Versus an Isonitrogenous Whey Protein Isolate on Skeletal Muscle Protein Anabolism in Young Healthy Males

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

definitive

Can make definitive causal claims

Assessment Explanation

The RCT design with direct MPS measurements allows definitive claims about the effectiveness of suboptimal EAA doses.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The Effect of Leucine-Enriched β-Lactoglobulin Versus an Isonitrogenous Whey Protein Isolate on Skeletal Muscle Protein Anabolism in Young Healthy Males

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2025 Oct 30

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The Effect of Leucine-Enriched β-Lactoglobulin Versus an Isonitrogenous Whey Protein Isolate on Skeletal Muscle Protein Anabolism in Young Healthy Males

Score: 58

DOI: 10.3390/nu17213410

Similar Assertions

Both types of protein shakes boosted muscle protein building similarly in young men, whether they were resting or exercising after drinking them.

93%

Young men who drank a β-lactoglobulin protein shake had higher blood leucine levels over time than those who drank regular whey protein, but their muscles built protein at the same rate.

88%

Young men who drank β-lactoglobulin had higher levels of branched-chain and essential amino acids in their blood over time compared to those who drank regular whey protein.

81%

When young men consumed β-lactoglobulin, their blood leucine levels peaked higher than when they consumed regular whey protein.

77%

When rats exercised and then ate a small amount of whey protein hydrolysate, their muscles built protein faster than when they ate regular whey protein at the same dose.

71%