Literature Review on the Benefits of Protein Supplementation for Muscle Hypertrophy

Abstract

The debate of whether protein supplementation in addition to that of diet is of any benefit is still on going as there are seemingly equivocal studies on both sides. This literature review attempts to examine the current studies and to find a pattern and a potential answer to this question. After looking at protein supplementation for the elderly and the active, the type of protein and the timing of the supplementation, it is concluded that the protein supplementation is most likely of no major benefit as long the individual is getting enough protein from diet. The timing of the supplementation is likely not nearly as important as the total protein intake. In addition, the RDA seems to be inadequate for the active and the elderly so it is of importance to continue conducting further studies to find an appropriate RDA range of protein for different population demographics.