Exogenous Ketosis and Muscle Protein Synthesis During Exercise Recovery
Ketosis | Muscle Protein Synthesis | Resistance Exercise | Dietary ProteinsAn acute bout of resistance exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates for up to 24-48 hours, supporting muscle growth and repair. To optimize the anabolic effects of resistance exercise, the provision of dietary amino acids (i.e., proteins) is essential. Dietary protein intake provides the body with necessary amounts of essential and non-essential amino acids, which represent the building blocks for muscle proteins, enhancing anabolic muscle growth. The ingestion of dietary protein, such as whey protein, is well established to stimulate an increase in the rate of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle following resistance exercise. Research has demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship between protein intake and MPS rate, with 25 grams being the optimal dose to maximally stimulate MPS rates in younger adults with excess protein oxidized as a fuel source.
Determining whether this maximally stimulated MPS response can be further heightened during post-exercise recovery using non-protein dietary factors is yet to be explored. Recently, it has been shown that novel orally ingested ketone body supplements can stimulate MPS rates in younger adults at rest.
Ketone bodies (β-OHB) are lipid- derived molecules normally produced under conditions of glucose deprivation (i.e., fasting/starvation, or a low carbohydrate 'ketogenic' diet). However, these orally ingested ketone supplements rapidly increase blood ketone levels without the need for dietary restriction6. In vitro research showed that the combination of leucine and ketone bodies stimulated a 2-fold increase in MPS, compared to the leucine group alone, indicating synergistic effects of protein and ketone bodies on MPS. However, the effect of ketone supplementation, with and without dietary protein co-ingestion, on MPS rate during post-exercise recovery is yet to be investigated. If ketone bodies can amplify the anabolic response to dietary protein, they may provide a novel approach to maximizing muscle adaptation during post-exercise recovery.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of ketone monoester intake on postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates when consumed alone and when co-ingested with an optimal dose (25 g) of whey protein during recovery after resistance exercise compared to 1) an optimal dose of whey protein (25 g), and 2) a control flavored water. It is hypothesized that muscle protein synthesis rates will be stimulated following the ingestion of the ketone body beverage. Further, muscle protein synthesis rates will be further enhanced when the ketone-containing beverage and an optimal dose are taken together.
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Participation Requirements
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Sex:
ALL -
Eligible Ages:
18 to 40
Participation Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Healthy adult female or male participants who are 18-40 years of age (inclusive) BMI \>18.5 and \<30.0 kg/m2
* Moderately active (i.e., ≥ 1 session of lower-body weightlifting /week for the previous 2 months).
* Has maintained stable use of medication and supplements (which are not limited by the exclusion criteria), stable dietary and lifestyle habits, and stable body weight, for the last 3 months prior to screening and agree to maintain them throughout the study.
* Be willing to entirely avoid alcohol consumption 48hr prior to the experimental test day.
* Willing and able to agree to the requirements and restrictions of this study, be willing to give voluntary consent, be able to understand and read the questionnaires, and carry out all study-related procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Females who are lactating or pregnant
* Females using third-generation oral contraceptives (including: Desogen®, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen) as these are known to affect protein metabolism in females.
* Individuals with metabolic disorders including: Type I or Type II diabetes
* Individuals with a history of thrombosis / cardiovascular disease
* Individuals who use of anticoagulants
* Individuals with musculoskeletal / orthopedic disorders
* Individuals with knee injuries (i.e., ACL injuries).
* Individuals who have used tobacco products within the last 6 months
* Individuals with a history of neuromuscular problems
* Chronic usage of medications known to modulate skeletal muscle metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and over-the-counter supplements including creatine monohydrate) in the last 6 months.
* Individuals with allergies to milk proteins (whey or casein).
* Individuals with lactose intolerance
* Individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU)
* Previous participation in amino acid tracer studies.
* Adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet
* Current use of ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet
* Individuals who train more than ≥ 5 sessions of lower-body weightlifting /week for the previous 4 months
Study Location
McGill University
McGill UniversityMontreal, Quebec
Canada
Contact Study Team
Tyler Churchward-Venne, PhD
- Study Sponsored By
- McGill University
- Participants Required
- More Information
- Study ID:
NCT06769100