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Nutritional Protein Thresholding

Meaning

Nutritional Protein Thresholding is the dietary strategy of consuming a sufficient quantity of high-quality protein in a single meal to surpass the minimum threshold required to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS). This approach recognizes that MPS is not linearly proportional to protein intake but exhibits a ceiling effect, which must be intentionally exceeded to optimize anabolic signaling. The threshold varies based on age, lean body mass, and resistance training status. Clinically, thresholding is essential for maximizing muscle maintenance, counteracting sarcopenia, and optimizing body composition, especially in older adults.