Research
Macro partitioning
Resistance exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS), but net muscle growth requires a sustained positive balance between MPS and muscle protein breakdown (MPB), which is best achieved by consuming adequate protein (1.6 g/kg/day) distributed across meals rather than in a single bolus.
To build muscle, lift weights and eat enough protein (about 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight daily). Don't obsess over drinking a shake immediately after your workout. Instead, spread your protein intake evenly across 3 or 4 meals throughout the day to keep your body in a growth state.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Resistance exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS)... However, net muscle growth requires a sustained positive balance between MPS and muscle protein breakdown (MPB)... The ingestion of protein, particularly leucine, stimulates MPS... The anabolic response to protein ingestion is blunted in older adults... The distribution of protein intake throughout the day appears to be more important than the total amount consumed.
Why this rating
Review of multiple human trials with consistent findings.
Source
Exercise, Protein Metabolism, and Muscle Growth
Kevin D. Tipton et al. · International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism · 2001
DOI 10.1123/ijsnem.11.1.109
narrative_reviewCited 247×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
Related findings · Macro partitioning
- Total daily protein intake of 1.6 g/kg/day is sufficient for maximizing resistance training-induced muscle gains, with an upper confidence interval of 2.2 g/kg/day.Strong
- Resistance exercise training combined with sufficient dietary protein intake acts synergistically to maximize skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with protein intake saturating around 1.6 g/kg/day for general populations and potentially requiring 2.0-2.2 g/kg/day for resistance-trained individuals.Strong
- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
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