Whole-body net protein balance plateaus in response to increasing protein intakes during post-exercise recovery in adults and adolescents.

Our data suggest there is a practical limit to the anabolic response to protein ingestion within a mixed meal and that higher intakes lead to deamination and oxidation of excess amino acids. Consistent with a need to support lean mass growth, adolescents appear to have greater anabolic sensitivity and a greater capacity to assimilate dietary amino acids than adults.