The Regulatory Role of Nutrients in Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS) and Muscle Protein Breakdown (MPB) with Resistance Exercise

Abstract

With the improvement of living standards nowadays, the body’s health and physique have become a popular topic; the growth, maintenance, and health of muscles are achieved through the key process of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB). This paper discusses the important regulatory roles of macronutrients, amino acids, hormones, micronutrients, and vitamins in MPS and MPB, especially in the context of resistance exercise. Through a large review of the existing literature on the relationships between various nutrients and resistance exercise and muscle, this paper summarizes the complex interactions between all these nutrients and resistance exercise. This paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into the optimization of muscle hypertrophy and reduction of muscle atrophy, including an in-depth discussion of the importance of macronutrient intake during resistance exercise, the important role of amino acids, especially leucine, the associated effects of hormones such as insulin and testosterone, and the best timing and methods for the intake of these nutrients. This review demonstrates the indispensability and complementarity of each nutrient for muscle growth and building, provides practical advice for athletes such as powerlifters and bodybuilders, the declining elderly, and individuals seeking to enhance muscle health, fills existing research gaps, and provides valuable insights into the nutritional regulation of muscle protein metabolism.