The food matrix: From protein concentrates to wholefoods

Ingesting sufficient dietary protein is important for muscle maintenance. Dietary protein provides the building blocks in the form of amino acids that our body needs to build muscle protein. Previous research has shown that ingestion of (milk) protein powders increases muscle protein synthesis. This dissertation shows that besides ingestion of amino acids and protein powders, also ingestion of protein-rich wholefoods such as cheese, quark and eggs stimulates muscle protein synthesis in rest and during recovery from exercise. Recently, there is more interest for sustainable alternative dietary protein sources. In line with this, this dissertation shows that insects are an alternative dietary protein source to stimulate muscle protein synthesis in rest and during recovery from exercise.