Stimulation of muscle anabolism by resistance exercise and ingestion of leucine p

Stimulation of muscle anabolism by resistance exercise and ingestion of leucine plus protein.
Authors:
Tipton, Kevin D.1,2 K.D.Tipton@Bham.ac.uk
Elliott, Tabatha A.1,2
Ferrando, Arny A.1,2
Aarsland, Asle A.1,3
Wolfe, Robert R.1,2
Source:
Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism Apr2009, Vol. 34 Issue 2, p151 10p.

Abstract:
Leucine is known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and anabolism. However, evidence for the efficacy of additional leucine to enhance the response of muscle anabolism to resistance exercise and protein ingestion is unclear. Thus, we investigated the response of net muscle protein balance to ingestion of additional leucine with protein in association with resistance exercise. Two groups of untrained subjects performed an intense bout of leg resistance exercise following ingestion of 1 of 2 drinks: flavored water (PL); or 16.6 g of whey protein + 3.4 g of leucine (W+L). Arteriovenous amino acid balance across the leg was measured to assess the anabolic response of muscle in each group. Arterial amino acid concentrations increased in response to ingestion of W+L. Amino acid concentrations peaked between 60 and 120 min after ingestion, and then declined to baseline values. Valine concentration decreased to levels significantly lower than baseline. Net balance of leucine, threonine, and phenylalanine did not change following PL ingestion, but increased and remained elevated above baseline for 90-120 min following W+L ingestion. Leucine (138 ± 37 and -23 ± 23 mg), phenylalanine (58 ± 28 and -38 ± 14 mg), and threonine (138 ± 37 and -23 ± 23 mg) uptake was greater for W+L than for PL over the 5.5 h following drink ingestion. Our results indicate that the whey protein plus leucine in healthy young volunteers results in an anabolic response in muscle that is not greater than the previously reported response to whey protein alone. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR

Makes sense. I'm suprised they needed to do a study to figure out there isn't a difference between 20g of whey protein vs. 16.6g whey protein +3.4g of leucine. It would never result in anything that would show up as statistically significant anyways. The design isn't very good imo, although it's hard to tell just from an abstract.