Plant Protein

Please note the following referenced scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported below may not necessarily occur in all our customers. The information should not replace advice from your health care practitioner. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific product.

Protein is a fundamental macronutrient that plays a vital role in almost every biological process within the body. Composed of amino acids, protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, maintaining muscle mass, and much more. Protein is found in a variety of animal food sources such as meat, eggs, dairy and fish along with plant-based food sources such as wholegrain, legumes, nuts and seeds. A balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources ensures that the body receives both essential and non-essential amino acids, supporting everything from energy production to cellular repair and resilience.

Dietary Support

  • A vegetarian diet can easily provide enough protein, as long as energy needs are met and a variety of foods are included. People following vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets may use plant protein supplements to help ensure they reach their daily protein goals (Marsh et al 2013).

  • Plant-based proteins, such as pea, hemp, or rice protein, may be easier to digest for those who have sensitivities or intolerances to dairy or animal-based proteins.

  • Higher-protein diets, can help improve appetite control, support weight management, and reduce certain cardiometabolic risks compared to lower-protein diets (Leidy et al. 2015).

Fitness

  • Most people can meet these protein needs through a balanced diet, but consuming protein and amino acids before, during, or after exercise can enhance recovery, immune function, and muscle maintenance

  • For athletes, protein and amino acid supplements can be a convenient way to ensure they get enough protein at the right times, which is beneficial for endurance, strength, and anaerobic exercises (Kreider & Campbell 2009).

References

  • Marsh, K. A., Munn, E. A., & Baines, S. K. (2013). “Protein and vegetarian diets”. The Medical Journal of Australia, 199(S4), S7–S10. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja11.11492

  • Kreider RB, Campbell B. (2009). “Protein for exercise and recovery”. Phys Sportsmed. 37(2):13-21. doi:10.3810/psm.2009.06.1705

  • Heather J Leidy, Peter M Clifton, Arne Astrup, Thomas P Wycherley, Margriet S Westerterp-Plantenga, Natalie D Luscombe-Marsh, Stephen C Woods, Richard D Mattes,. (2015). "The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance234", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 101, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 1320S-1329S, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038