Nutritionwell supported · human dataDiscovery of the day
A meta-analysis of 16 randomised trials found protein source, animal or plant, made no difference to gains in absolute lean mass or muscle strength. Animal protein showed a small edge on percent lean mass, and adults under 50 gained 0.41 kg more absolute lean mass with it.
- Study design
- Meta-analysis
- Journal
- Nutrients
- Evidence
- well supported
What it shows: Reassuring for plant eaters: results pooled from 16 trials where protein intakes were already above recommended levels, so any advantage of source had room to show and mostly did not. The small animal protein edge appeared mainly in adults under 50, and doing resistance training alongside made no difference to the outcome.Meta-analysis · Nutrients
Animal Protein versus Plant Protein in Supporting Lean Mass and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2021Read the study →