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# Whey protein helps skeletal muscle satellite cells
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/whey_protein_skeletal_muscle_satellite_cells_0729140140/
- Published: 2014-07-29T14:38:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:10:20.000Z
- Description: In a study of 24 healthy young adults who performed 150 maximal eccentric contractions, those given hydrolyzed whey protein with carbohydrate had more type II fiber-associated satellite cells at 48 hours and faster regeneration than carbohydrate-only controls.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Supplements, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Tuesday July 29, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study in the journal Amino Acids suggests that supplementation with whey protein after highly intense eccentric exercise can help accelerate the regeneration of human skeletal muscle satellite cells.

Human skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) are important for muscle regeneration and remodeling processes in both healthy people and those with clinical conditions that cause muscle breakdown. 

In the study, 24 young healthy individuals received either hydrolyzed whey protein plus carbohydrate or iso-caloric carbohydrate after 150 maximal unilateral eccentric contractions.

Muscle tissues were sampled from the exercise leg and analyzed for fiber type-specific SC content before exercise, and 24, 48 and 168 hours after exercise. The efficiency of recovery from muscle damage was evaluated by estimating maximal voluntary contraction and serum creatine kinase.

As a result, more type II fiber-associated SCs were found in those receiving whey protein at 48 hours after supplementation, compared with controls.

The regeneration rate of SCs was found faster in those receiving whey protein, compared with those controls.

Maximal voluntary contraction decreased while soreness and serum creatine kinase increased in both groups after the exercise. 

Comment: Whey protein isolates or whey protein concentrates are popular sparts supplements. They are available at local health stores and over the Internet. (David Liu)

Reference: Farup J, Rahbek SK, Knudsen IS, de Paoli F, Mackey AL, Vissing K. Whey protein supplementation accelerates satellite cell proliferation during recovery from eccentric exercise. Amino Acids. 2014 Jul 26.