Evidence supporting the use of: Wheat Gluten
For the health condition: Body Building

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Wheat gluten is occasionally used in the context of bodybuilding primarily as a plant-based protein source. Scientifically, wheat gluten is valued for its high protein content, particularly for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets who seek alternatives to animal-derived protein. However, wheat gluten is not a complete protein, as it lacks sufficient amounts of the essential amino acid lysine. This limits its effectiveness compared to more complete protein sources such as whey or soy protein in supporting optimal muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Some studies have shown that increasing overall protein intake can improve muscle mass and strength gains during resistance training, regardless of the specific protein source, provided total essential amino acid requirements are met. Nevertheless, there is minimal direct research specifically examining wheat gluten’s effectiveness for muscle growth or recovery in bodybuilders.

Overall, while wheat gluten can contribute to dietary protein intake, especially for those with dietary restrictions, current scientific evidence does not support it as a superior or uniquely beneficial protein source for bodybuilding. It is generally considered less effective than animal-based proteins or even some other plant-based proteins due to its incomplete amino acid profile. Its use in bodybuilding is therefore mostly based on its protein content and suitability for vegetarian and vegan diets, rather than strong scientific validation of direct performance or muscle-building benefits.

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Other health conditions supported by Wheat Gluten

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Products containing Wheat Gluten

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.