PhD Conferral Mr. Andrew M. Holwerda, MSc.

Keywords: resistance-type exercise, aging, dietary protein, muscle protein synthesis

“Dietary protein to support active aging”

Aging is associated with muscle mass and strength loss. This thesis found that resistance-type exercise increases muscle protein synthesis rates, leading to an increase in muscle mass and strength over time. Dietary protein intake further increases post-exercise muscle protein synthesis rates and older individuals require 30-45 g to achieve a near-maximal response. In the case that an older individual cannot ingest such large amounts of protein, the thesis found that free leucine co-ingested with 15 g protein also stimulates post-exercise muscle protein synthesis. Lastly, exercise combined with pre-sleep protein ingestion further increases muscle protein synthesis rates during overnight sleep.