The Claim
In adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) undergoing 30% caloric restriction for 4 weeks, skeletal muscle mass is preserved at equivalent levels regardless of protein intake (0.8 g·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ or 1.5 g·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹) or the performance of resistance training.
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.
Among adults with MASLD who reduce their calorie intake by 30% for four weeks, skeletal muscle mass remains unchanged whether they consume 0.8 or 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, and whether or not they perform resistance training.
See the scientific wording
In adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) undergoing 30% caloric restriction for 4 weeks, skeletal muscle mass is preserved regardless of whether protein intake is 0.8 g·kg−1·day−1 or 1.5 g·kg−1·day−1, and regardless of whether resistance training is performed.
When the body gets less energy from food, it tries to break down muscle for fuel, but if there is enough protein in the diet, the body uses amino acids to keep making new muscle proteins at the same rate it breaks them down, so muscle mass stays the same.
What the research says
1 studyWhen people with fatty liver disease eat 30% less for a month, they kept their muscle mass no matter if they ate more protein, did strength training, or did nothing—so the claim is right. But those who trained and ate more protein got stronger, even if their muscles didn’t get bigger.
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.