Correlation between physiological and biochemical variables during short term adequate protein intake combined with resistance exercise in sedentary adults

     The paper of the day examines the effects of adequate protein intake (1.5 g/kg body weight/day) combined with resistance exercise on muscle strength, body composition, and metabolic markers in sedentary adults. Both placebo (PLA-EX) and whey protein supplement (PRO-EX) groups showed reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, but only the PRO-EX group experienced increased muscle mass and strength. Blood biochemical variables such as adiponectin, leptin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol decreased in both groups, but IGF-1, which promotes muscle growth, increased significantly only in the PRO-EX group. Liver health markers, including liver fat content and enzyme levels (AST, ALT), improved, with greater benefits seen in the PRO-EX group. The study concludes that a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg BW/day, when combined with resistance exercise, optimally enhances muscle mass, strength, and fat metabolism while improving liver function and metabolic health, without the risks associated with excessive protein consumption.