Impact of Protein Intake on Muscle Protein Synthesis and Recovery Following Resistance Exercise in Young Nigerian Men in Lagos

Adequate dietary protein is essential for muscle protein synthesis following resistance exercise, yet optimal protein intake thresholds and timing strategies have not been established for young Nigerian male populations engaging in structured training. This study assessed the impact of differing post-exercise protein intake levels on muscle protein synthesis markers and functional recovery in young Nigerian men in Lagos, South West Nigeria. A randomised crossover design enrolled 36 healthy males aged 20 to 30 years with at least six months of resistance training experience. Participants consumed three post-exercise protein doses of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 grams per kilogram body weight on separate occasions, standardised as whey protein supplementation. Plasma essential amino acid concentrations, mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling activation estimated via phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and 48-hour muscle soreness were assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests were applied. Results showed that the 0.4 gram per kilogram dose produced the highest plasma essential amino acid peak and mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling activation. The 0.6 gram dose did not provide additional benefit over 0.4 grams. Muscle soreness was significantly lower at 48 hours after higher protein doses. This study provides population-specific protein dose-response data for Nigerian resistance-trained men, informing sports nutrition guidelines. Keywords: muscle protein synthesis, protein intake, resistance exercise, recovery, Lagos.