Research demonstrates the efficiency of each. Egg protein usage approaches the 50 percent mark, while 40 percent of ingested meat protein is used in an anabolic manner. Whey protein, which is quite popular in the athletic industry and is relatively well regarded, has been shown to achieve just 18 percent anabolic usage in human subjects.78 Vegetable protein sources came in even lower, at under 14 percent.79 For an athlete trying to promote lean tissue growth through whey protein consumption, this means more than eight out of every ten grams ingested may not be used for its intended purpose.
