Can Pea Protein be effective on muscle strength? A 84-day study say yes

Can Pea Protein be effective on muscle strength ? A 84-day study say yes

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to increased body fat and muscle loss. To improve muscle health and muscle strength, it is important to combine adequate protein intake with resistance exercise.
Whey protein (WPr) is well-known for boosting muscle mass and strength. However, plant-based proteins like pea protein (PPr) are gaining popularity due to dietary preferences and environmental concerns.

But can pea protein offer similar benefits than whey protein? A recent study using Roquette pea protein, NUTRALYS® S85 Plus reveals that it can.

Effects of pea protein versus Whey Protein on muscle strength and endurance in sedentary adults: A 2024 study

In 2024, researchers started a study to compare how well pea protein and whey protein improve muscle strength.

The study involved 100 sedentary adults, between 30 and 59 years old, defined as not engaging in more than 60min of exercise per week.

Participants were divided into two groups: one received NUTRALYS® S85 Plus, and the other one received whey protein. For 84 days, participants had to complete six 30min sessions of resistance training each week. And had to take the study product every day.

To compare the two proteins, they focused on measuring the whole-body muscle strength, body composition, endurance and recovery, and product perception at days 28, 56 and 84.

Pea Protein matches Whey Protein in enhancing muscle strength and recovery

After 84 days, the results were compelling. Participants who used NUTRALYS® S85 Plus saw a 16.1% improvement in their whole-body muscle strength, while the whey protein group experienced an 11.1% improvement. 

This significant enhancement in muscle strength demonstrates that pea protein can be just as effective as whey protein. And sometimes, handgrip strength can be even more effective as an indicator of overall muscle strength. In the pea protein group, handgrip strength improved by 18.2%, compared to 13% in the whey protein group.

Regarding muscle mass, both groups showed similar improvements. The pea protein group experienced a 2.3% increase, while the whey protein group saw a 2.4% increase.

The study also evaluated endurance and muscle recovery. Participants consuming NUTRALYS® S85 Plus showed significant improvements in endurance during the initial stages of the study. Additionally, the pea protein group reported better post-exercise muscle recovery with lower scores.

Finally, participants reported high satisfaction with both protein supplements, with no significant differences in product perception and likability. After 84 days, it was confirmed that NUTRALYS® S85 Plus is safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse events related to the supplement.

Conclusion: A viable alternative to Whey Protein to improve muscle strength

In conclusion, the program showed that pea proteins can be as effective as whey proteins, in all the desired results of adding protein to participants' routines to improve muscle strength and mass gains.

Furthermore, choosing pea protein over whey protein offers additional benefits, particularly for those concerned about environmental sustainability and dietary restrictions. Indeed, plant-based proteins like NUTRALYS® require fewer natural resources for production and are great meat alternatives.

Thus, for those looking for plant-based options without compromising on performance, pea proteins, and in this case, NUTRALYS® S85 Plus, stand out as an excellent choice.

See all NUTRALYS® Health Benefits & Studies

*NUTRALYS® health benefits are supported by one single clinical study. Food manufacturers who would like to use NUTRALYS® pea protein for these benefits will have to run its own studies based on its own formulation.