Spud Power: Potato Protein Boosts Muscle Synthesis at Rest and Post-Exercise Recovery 

As the popularity of plant-based diets and sports nutrition products continues to soar, researchers are exploring the anabolic potential of various plant-derived proteins. A recent study has delved into the muscle-building properties of potato-derived protein, shedding light on its efficacy compared to the well-established milk protein. The findings of the study, titled "Potato Protein Ingestion Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates at Rest and during Recovery from Exercise in Humans," provide intriguing insights into the world of alternative protein sources.

Methods:

In a groundbreaking randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design, researchers engaged 24 healthy young males in a comparative analysis. The participants, aged 24 ± 4 years, underwent a single bout of unilateral resistance exercise, followed by the ingestion of either 30 grams of potato-derived protein or 30 grams of milk protein. Continuous monitoring through l-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusions allowed researchers to assess postprandial plasma amino acid profiles and mixed muscle protein synthesis rates at rest and during the recovery phase.

Results:

Both potato and milk protein demonstrated a significant increase in mixed muscle protein synthesis rates when compared to basal postabsorptive values. The rates escalated from 0.020% ± 0.011% to 0.053% ± 0.017%·h-1 for potato protein and from 0.021% ± 0.014% to 0.050% ± 0.012%·h-1 for milk protein (P < 0.001), with no statistically significant differences observed between the two treatments (P = 0.54). Notably, in the exercised leg, both potato and milk protein showed a considerable increase in mixed muscle protein synthesis rates, reaching 0.069% ± 0.019% and 0.064% ± 0.015%·h-1, respectively (P < 0.001), with no discernible distinctions between the two treatments (P = 0.52). Furthermore, the muscle protein synthetic response was notably greater in the exercised leg compared to the resting leg (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

In a groundbreaking revelation, the study concludes that the ingestion of 30 grams of potato protein concentrate effectively enhances muscle protein synthesis rates both at rest and during recovery from exercise in healthy, young males. Notably, the muscle protein synthesis rates after ingesting potato protein were found to be on par with those observed after consuming an equivalent amount of milk protein. This suggests that potato-derived protein could serve as a viable alternative for individuals seeking plant-based protein sources without compromising on muscle-building potential.

This research, published by The Author(s) and made available by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Sports Medicine, marks a significant step forward in understanding the dynamic role of potato protein in the realm of sports nutrition and plant-based dietary choices. As the quest for sustainable and effective protein sources continues, the humble potato emerges as a powerful contender in the pursuit of muscle synthesis and recovery.

Sources:
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002937
Philippe J M Pinckaers  1 , Floris K Hendriks  1 , Wesley J H Hermans  1 , Joy P B Goessens  1 , Joan M Senden  1 , Janneau M X VAN Kranenburg  1 , Will K H W Wodzig  2 , Tim Snijders  1 , Luc J C VAN Loon  1