The Effect of Dairy and Dairy-Free Alternative Beverages on Post-Exercise Anabolism in Active Youth

The growth and development of lean body mass (i.e., muscle and bone) is instrumental to health and performance across the lifespan, especially in youth, as they actively experience growth. Thus, it is important to capitalize on physical activity and nutrition (especially dietary protein), to support the accretion of lean tissues. Eating a protein-rich meal or performing physical activity can stimulate protein synthesis, and when repeated over time, lean body mass accretion. There is currently an increasing market demand for non-dairy alternatives, due to multiple reasons including environmental, ethical, or taste preferences. However, it is important to understand how different beverages may support 'growth' (anabolism) of lean tissues after exercise. Research in adults has shown that dairy milk is superior to non-dairy milk beverages for supporting post-exercise recovery and muscle protein synthesis. However, the impact of dairy and non-dairy milk alternatives on recovery from exercise is not well understood in children. By understanding the milk beverage that best supports post-exercise recovery, the investigators can determine the optimal nutritional environment to facilitate the growth of lean tissues in the body.