Any studies done on powerlifters at all? Especially the one on higher meal frequency and decreased protein synthesis.
Summary of the study Hansen Oyvind et. Al. The effect of meal frequency on body composition during 12 weeks of strength training –
33 Men and 15 Women with at least 1 year of previous resistance training were placed on either a 3 or 6 meal per day diet. The 3 and 6 meal groups were instructed to eat the SAME amount of calories, providing roughly a 300 calories per day SURPLUS with a PROTEIN intake of 1.7g/kg.
Both groups performed the SAME training program over 12 weeks and changes in body composition and body weigh were measured.
Results – the 3 MEAL per day group gained MORE WEIGHT and MORE LEAN BODY MASS.
A study by Capaldo, B et. Al. on Splanchnic leg substrate exchange after ingestion of a natural mixed meal in humans found that a meal containing 75 grams of Carbohydrates, 17 grams of Fat and 27 grams of Protein (meal total 561 calories) was still releasing amino acids, glucose and fatty acids into the bloodstream at the competition of the study 5 HOURS LATER.
Overall in all the studies examined it appears that eating TOO FREQUENTLY could potentially be DETRIMENTAL to the goal of gaining muscle mass in that the muscle tissue becomes INSENSITIVE TO FURTHER STIMULATION by amino acids, INCREASING protein oxidation in the liver.
Studies examined for nitrogen retention –
Speechly DP et. Al. Acute appetite reduction associated with an increase of frequency of eating in obese males.
Swindells YE, The metabolic response of young women to changes in the frequency of meals.
Young CM, Frequency of feeding, weight reduction and body composition.
Young CM, Frequency of feeding, weight reduction and nutrient ultization.
Bohe J et. Al. Latency and duration of stimulation of human muscle protein synthesis during continuous infusion of amino acids.
Phillips SM et. al. A critical examination of dietary protein requirements, benefits, and excesses in athletes.