Are Your Protein Supplements Really Boosting Muscle Mass (Maybe Not!)

If you’re like a lot of serious bodybuilders, you’re using protein supplements to help boost the development of your muscles after a tough workout. This might seem like a good idea, considering that protein will help repair muscles after they have been damaged by a weight lifting routine, but new research is showing that protein supplements might not be all that effective after all. Keep reading to learn more.

You Might Not Be Doing It Right

While you might hear from your gym buddies that a high-protein diet is a must, and that protein supplements can help you achieve the right amount of protein intake for muscle growth, the truth is that studies have proven that it isn’t so simple. Sure, protein supplements can help build muscle, but the results will depend upon your diet and exercise habits, as well as the dosage and type of supplement that you’re taking.

Too Much Protein Leads to More Fat

According to Montreal Gazette, a study has found that taking in too much protein can actually lead to the development of more fat, not muscle.
Researchers decided to get to the bottom of the question regarding protein supplementation by following one group of individuals who exercised and then drank a protein shake, and another group who just exercised. Both groups followed the same workout routine and provided the researchers with food and exercise diaries as well. They did this for eight weeks.
After eight weeks, body composition was measured, and the results showed that the group that supplemented with protein gained body fat. What about the group that didn’t consume protein supplements after their workouts? Well, they ended up losing fat mass instead.

Do You Really Need a Protein Supplement?

If you’re wondering if you need to supplement with protein after your workouts, consider the rest of your diet. Provided that you’re eating a varied diet that contains plenty of foods that are high in protein, you likely don’t need to take a supplement after all. But, if you aren’t sure, it’s best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to figure out how much protein you need to consume to get the muscle growth that you want.