Pea protein vs. whey: which preserves muscle better during weight loss?
NCT ID NCT04123938
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether pea protein can help people with obesity preserve muscle mass while losing weight, compared to whey protein. Sixty adults aged 30 to 50 followed a weight loss regimen and took either pea protein, whey protein, or a non-protein control. Researchers measured changes in muscle mass, strength, and function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pea protein
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a plant-based alternative to whey protein for maintaining muscle during weight loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It also compares pea protein to whey protein, not to a placebo, so any benefit may be similar to other protein sources.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
I.H Asper Clinical Research Institute, St. Boniface Hospital
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 2A6, Canada
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