The metabolic effects of dietary protein on nitrogen balance
are well described, as increasing dietary protein intake generally
enhances nitrogen retention (Pasiakos and others 2008; Deutz and
Wolfe 2013). In addition, distributing a higher protein diet equally
between meals when compared to a more traditional, skewed intake
of dietary protein appears to optimize 24-h muscle protein
synthesis (Mamerow and others 2014), which in theory may facilitate
maintenance or accretion of muscle mass (Rodriguez 2014).
These findings are particularly important for individuals susceptible
to muscle loss (Volpi and others 2013; Paddon-Jones and
Leidy 2014). Consuming higher protein diets also spares lean body
mass during weight loss, an advantage independent of body mass
(Wycherley and others 2012; Pasiakos and others 2013b). Evidence
also suggests that higher protein diets may improve glycemic regulation
(Pasiakos and others 2011; Smith and others 2011), while
other studies have shown that consuming higher protein diets increase intestinal calcium absorption, which may result in longterm
improvements in bone health.