The Claim

A single 16-hour overnight fast does not increase the rate of incorporation of dietary protein-derived amino acids into skeletal muscle protein in healthy young adult men, as measured by postprandial [1-13C]phenylalanine enrichment in myofibrillar protein, despite a modest reduction in insulin response.

Source: Effect of an acute prolonged overnight fast on skeletal muscle insulin and anabolic sensitivity in healthy men.

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
65score
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 healthy young adult men, a 16-hour overnight fast does not increase how quickly amino acids from food are added to muscle protein, even though insulin levels drop slightly after eating.

See the scientific wording

A single 16-hour overnight fast does not increase the rate at which dietary protein-derived amino acids are incorporated into skeletal muscle protein in healthy young adult men, as measured by postprandial [1-13C]phenylalanine enrichment in myofibrillar protein, despite a modest reduction in insulin response.

Why this might work

After a 16-hour fast, the body releases less insulin when eating, but this lower insulin level does not make muscle cells take up or use amino acids from food any faster to build new muscle protein.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of an acute prolonged overnight fast on skeletal muscle insulin and anabolic sensitivity in healthy men.

    Even when healthy young men fasted for 16 hours instead of 10, their muscles didn’t use the protein from their next meal any better to build muscle—despite having lower insulin levels. So, longer fasting didn’t help.

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

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.