Protein supplement timing?

[Kwick_STX]

I have some Whey Protein and a friend uses CytoGainer. We both work out regularly so no worries there. My question is: take it 15 minutes before or directly after? Both are recommended; I just want to know which is better or if it's just preference. Right now I'm leaning on 15 minutes before and I just don't wanna waste all that protein (on average 90% of supp's go out through urine or something).

-STX

[MangOPimP]

You would be wanting to take a little before hand but the bulk of it afterward

[truste1]

I'm pretty sure you should take carbs before the workout (for energy) and then protein 15-30 or so minutes after. Your muscles rip apart and they're soaked with blood containing nutrients (like protein!) in order to repair them. Maybe having some protein before would help expediate the process though? I don't know, this is just what I've read and assumed.

What I do (I don't lift, but before I go to swim practice for instance) is have an energy bar (with a good amount of carbs) about 30 minutes before practice. Then I practice. Then when I get home from practice I make a protein shake and sometimes eat a can of tuna with it.

[Kwick_STX]

Thanks truste1 but I know about the carbs and how muscle building works I was just wondering since all the supplement things say either before or after. I eat some low-glycemic indexed carbs (fettucini usually with some good veggies), I take half of my protein stuff, then 15 minutes later I do my workout and after that I finish the shake. I was just wondering if it was better to take it before so it's in your stomach.

Thanks MangO; I'll start drinking it all afterwards.

-STX

[seanpatrickb]

For the past two years I've been bodybuilding, so this is something i can actually help with. If you had to chose between the two it would be most beneficial to take it all after your workout. Your body digest protein much better after, and it also needs it. You dont really need a protein shake before your workout, since you should atleast have a little from previous meals. It is much more need post workout, although if your only taking one serving both times all of it would be digested. I would definatly suggest taking all of it postworkout, its when your bodys trying to repair itself.

[hitmenrule]

Take protein within forty-five minutes of working out to provide the protein your body needs. Your post workout meal is one of the most important meals of the day.

[franks2089]

Supposedly whey takes 90 minutes to two hours to digest, so I guess that extra hour in 15 might help so that it was almost digested by the time you were finished lifting.

[MangOPimP]

You should be taking at least a half serving of your protein supplement when you wake up since your body is void of any nutrients. What would the point be in taking a protein that is done being absorbed by the time you are dont lifting? The point of taking a protein is to help with recovery, you arent in recovery while still lifting. Its generally a good idea to take your protein with some sort of food too

[PilotShinjiIkar]

I remember reading in a past post that you need to take it throughout the day, in the morning, a little before workout and ESPECIALLY AFTER IT! But you need to take it throughout the day.

[AusLax234]

would all this still be valid after say a run or sprint workout??

[Cburylax]

Through my experience, education, and recent seminar I went to held by the ISSN, its always best to keep a consistent amount of protein intake throughout the day, preferably in whole food. I think eating before working out or even taking a protein shake is really up to the athlete since it does take some time for the stomach to empty. Working out on a full stomach, protein shake or not, doesn't work for me. Perhaps taking something about an hour would be a good idea, but not just protein. It should be a balanced meal just all the others. After working out you definately need to have something but again it should be more than just protein. Carbs are important here to raise insulin levels and counteract the raised cortisol effects.

From what I've just heard in a lecture, Whey and Casein are the top proteins that an athlete should be concerned with. Whey is a fast release protein and easily digested and absorbed. It should be taken during the day and especially after working out. Casein is slow release protein and should be taken more toward the evening. You'll notice some protein supplements are blends of the two.

Also, remember that even if the scoop says there is 20 grams in a serving, your body is probably only absorbing half.....maybe. The digestive system does destructive wonders to proteins.

C

[PilotShinjiIkar]

would all this still be valid after say a run or sprint workout??

Well running burns calories more than tearing muscles. But sprinting will get your legs sore so I think you should take some but only if you did alot sprints and you know your sore.