Is There a Postworkout Anabolic Window of Opportunity for Nutrient Consumption? Clearing up Controversies.

Abstract

Nutrient timing is a popular strategy for enhancing muscular adaptations and athletic performance. From the standpoint of muscle hypertrophy, the concept of a "postworkout anabolic window of opportunity" has been proposed, whereby a limited time exists after training to optimize accretion of muscle proteins. Some researchers have gone so far as to claim that the timing of nutritional consumption is even more critical to muscle development than the absolute daily consumption of nutrients. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review the current literature as to the relevance of the anabolic window of opportunity, and draw evidence-based conclusions for application into practice. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(12):911-914. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0615.