Don Layman, PhD: protein researcher
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As part of my Health Matters website I am listing some of the major sources, references and people I have used to form how I think about topics. My aim is to give you some idea of who these people and organizations are, what their backgrounds are, what biases they may have and some examples of content. I will give you “my take” on what I think about that person or source.
Who is Don Layman:
Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois. On the university website he says: “My laboratory is working to define protein and amino acid requirements and the interrelationship between dietary protein and carbohydrates in adult health. Our research is focused on the impact of diet and exercise on adult health problems of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome.”
Education:
Ph.D., 1978, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
M.S., 1974, Illinois State University,
B.S., 1972, Illinois State University,
Possible Biases
He was raised on a farm and is definitely not a vegan. He does not advocate high protein diets but does favor prioritizing protein - but that is what his research is in. He is an advisor for example to an egg industry organization so one might assume he has funding from the egg industry.
“My take”
Don Layman, PhD has been a leading researcher in protein for decades and seems well respected. I like what he says about protein quality (rather than just quantity). I am biased towards what he says in that I am an omnivore as he has described himself. I like that he encourages balance in nutrition. I like that he makes sure to mention the importance of exercise. I think he has a good balance in what he says. I do not think he goes outside of “the science” often in what he says. I really like that he uses the word "nuance" and the phrase "it depends" and acknowledges when there is not a good answer to a question based on "the science".
Examples of content from Donald Layman:
From his website:
Research Interests
My laboratory is working to define protein and amino acid requirements and the interrelationship between dietary protein and carbohydrates in adult health. Our research is focused on the impact of diet and exercise on adult health problems of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome. Exercise is of obvious importance to health in maintenance of lean body mass, energy expenditure and weight control. Surprisingly little is known about amino acid requirements during exercise or the impact of amino acids on metabolic regulation. We have helped to define roles of the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in skeletal muscle metabolism. BCAA provide an important energy source for muscle during exercise and also serve as a critical regulator of muscle protein synthesis during recovery. During exercise, oxidation of BCAA increases, resulting in production of the amino acid alanine and a rapid decline in plasma levels of BCAA. Amino acid supplements prevent this decline in plasma amino acids, enhance recovery of muscle protein synthesis and interact with insulin to help stabilize blood glucose. We are continuing this research to define mechanisms for control of muscle protein synthesis and differences in dietary protein needs for men versus women and for adults with sedentary versus active lifestyles.
How to Optimize Your Nutrition for Results| Donald Layman PhD on Dr Lyon podcast
Dr Laymon on Dr Lyon podcast discussion recent study
Dietary protein: amount needed, ideal timing, quality, and more | Don Layman, Ph.D. on Dr Attia podcast
Discussion on meal frequency at 17:30
Somewhat less science in this talk:
What Don Layman eats for breakfast (go to the 40 minute mark).
other:
Baum, J.I., D.K. Layman, G.G. Freund, K.A. Rahn, M.T. Nakamura, and B.E. Yudell. (2006) A reduced carbohydrate, increased protein diet stabilizes glycemic control and minimizes adipose tissue glucose disposal in rats. J. Nutr. 136:1855-1861.
Layman, D.K. and D.A. Walker. (2006) Potential importance of leucine in treatment of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. J. Nutr. 136:S319-323.
Baum, J.I., J.E. Seyler, J.C. O'Conner, G.G. Freund, T.G. Anthony, and D.K. Layman. (2005) Leucine effects on PI3-kinase and insulin signaling in rat skeletal muscle. Am. J. Physiol. 288:E86-91.
Layman, D.K., E. Evans, J.I. Baum, J. Seyler, D.J. Erickson, and R.A. Boileau. (2005) Dietary protein and exercise have additive effects on body composition during weight loss in adult women. J. Nutr. 135:1903-1910.
Layman, D.K. and J.I. Baum. (2004) Dietary protein impact on glycemic control during weight loss. J. Nutr. 134:S968-973.
Layman, D.K., R.A. Boileau, D.J. Erickson, J.E. Painter, H. Shiue, C. Sather, and D.D. Christou. (2003) A reduced ratio of carbohydrate to protein improves body composition and blood lipid profiles in adult women. J. Nutr. 133:411-417.
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