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Does Plant-Based Meat Substitute Have the Same Effect on Muscle Protein Building as Animal Meat?
Whether you lose muscle or gain it depends on the balance between muscle protein breakdown and muscle protein synthesis. Both factors are affected by exercise and the amount of protein you consume daily (1, 2, 3).
Studies have shown that the quality of animal protein tends to be higher than that of plant proteins. This is attributed to the greater bioavailability and high-quality amino acid profile. The amino acid profile is significant because every protein you eat and the one in your body combines over 20 amino acids (AAs). The human body is capable of producing 11 of these amino acids. In addition, the body can produce amino acids called non-essential amino acids (NEAAs). The other nine can only be gotten through the diet, making them essential amino acids (EAAs).
Plant proteins tend to be of lower quality. However, there are several ways to compensate for this. For example, you can eat more of it or combine them to ensure that you have enough essential amino acids. You may also supplement with individual essential amino acids if you know which your diet lacks.
In the same way, manufacturers can enhance the amino acid profile of their plant-based products by adding at least one essential amino acid. The question is — can these…
