Protein Intake Distribution: Beneficial, Detrimental, or Inconsequential for Muscle Anabolism? Response to Witard & Mettler

We thank Witard and Mettler (2024) for their kind words regarding our recent work titled "The Anabolic Response to Protein Ingestion During Recovery From Exercise Has No Upper Limit in Magnitude and Duration In Vivo in Humans." Our findings challenge several previous beliefs in the field that are central to support the concept of protein intake distribution: several moderately sized meals spread over the day may result in greater muscle anabolism compared with the same amount of protein consumed in less frequent but bigger meals or a more skewed intake pattern. Witard and Mettler share their perspective on our recent data and highlight some related literature to stimulate discussion regarding potential practical implications of our work. Here, we will briefly respond to their main discussion points.