Comparing Native and Regular Whey Proteins for Muscle Growth

The Importance of Protein for Muscle Development

A team of Norwegian nutritionists conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of native whey protein compared to regular whey protein in promoting muscle growth. Bodybuilders emphasize the significance of protein intake for stimulating muscle development post-exercise, with protein powders such as whey and soy being popular choices for enhancing protein consumption.

Understanding Native Whey Protein

Native whey, a specific type of whey protein, has gained traction in the supplement industry, marketed as a “cleaner” and “superior” option. Many advertisements assert that native whey can significantly enhance muscle growth compared to regular whey proteins. To investigate this claim, the Norwegian researchers performed a double-blind, randomized trial.

Study Design: Native Whey versus Regular Whey

Whey Protein Production

Whey proteins, both native and regular, are byproducts of cheese production. During this process, acid is added to milk to coagulate and separate milk proteins. The remaining soluble protein is processed to create whey. In the case of regular whey, heating is applied to denature any residual proteins, which can negatively affect amino acid quality. Conversely, native whey avoids this heating step, resulting in a higher concentration of essential amino acids crucial for muscle growth.

Research Methodology

To assess the impact of native whey on muscle protein synthesis, a group of 22 young men and women consumed either 20 grams of native whey, regular whey, or plain milk immediately after and two hours following a session of heavy-load lower body resistance exercise. Blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken to evaluate amino acid levels and muscle protein synthesis rates at three and five hours post-supplementation.

Findings: Blood Amino Acid Levels and Muscle Growth

Trial Results Overview

The results, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, indicated that while native whey increased blood amino acid concentrations more than regular whey or milk, it did not enhance muscle protein synthesis. The study found no significant differences in muscle protein synthesis rates among athletes consuming either form of whey during the five-hour post-exercise period.

Implications of Amino Acid Transport

The researchers hypothesize that, despite higher blood amino acid levels from native whey, the rate of amino acid transport into muscle cells may be limited, constraining muscle growth rates. This suggests that elevated blood amino acid levels alone do not accelerate muscle growth.

Future Research Directions

The researchers are now investigating whether native whey can promote muscle growth over longer training periods. By allowing muscles more time to assimilate amino acids from the bloodstream, native whey may support prolonged muscle protein synthesis rates. Thus, it remains a potential advantageous option following extended workouts, but further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Conclusion

The study highlights that while native whey protein shows promise, its advantages in muscle growth are not yet fully understood. Continued research will provide deeper insights into its benefits for athletes and bodybuilders alike.

Reference

Hamarsland, H., Nordengen, A.L., Aas, S.N., Holte, K., Garthe, I., Paulsen, G., Cotter, M., Borsheim, E., Benestad, H.B., and Raastad, T. (2017). Native whey protein with high levels of leucine results in similar post-exercise muscular anabolic responses as regular whey protein: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14:43.