Protein Drinks After Strenuous Exercise Keep Aging Muscles Strong And Fit

Drinking protein beverages containing as little as 20 grams of protein after aerobic activity boosts the training effect among older exercisers after six weeks, compared to carbohydrate drinks, a U.S. study has found. Researchers tested 16 people age 42 to 58 years. Over a six week period, the participants exercised on treadmills for 45 minutes three times a week. After each exercise session, one group drank a protein beverage, another drank a carbohydrate beverage. Using ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry, scientists analyzed muscle samples at the end of the study period and determined how much of the muscle was new. Endurance exercise in older people, they concluded, does indeed induce positive changes in skeletal muscle structure and keeps muscles strong and fit.