Whey protein supplements protect muscle mass during weight loss

It is extremely difficult to maintain existing muscle mass when losing fat for a competition. During a reduced calorie intake (diet), the body uses protein as an energy source. In other words, the body draws on itself.

Amy Hector and Stuart Phillips and colleagues from McMaster University in Canada found that whey protein supplements could prevent reductions in muscle protein synthesis during weight loss. They studied men and women aged 35 to 65 years who consumed 750 kcal less than normal. The subjects supplemented their diet with either whey protein or soy protein.

Whey protein effectively prevents reductions in muscle protein synthesis during weight loss.

(Journal Nutrition, published online on December 17, 2014)