Pea protein is widely used as a dietary supplement to support the muscles body system, particularly for those seeking plant-based protein sources. Scientific evidence supports its role in muscle maintenance and growth, primarily due to its high protein content and favorable amino acid profile, including substantial amounts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are critical for muscle protein synthesis.

Research comparing pea protein to whey protein (a gold standard in muscle support) demonstrates that pea protein can be similarly effective in supporting increases in muscle thickness and strength when combined with resistance training. A commonly cited randomized controlled trial published in 2015 (Babault et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition) found that men who supplemented with pea protein during a 12-week resistance training program experienced muscle gains comparable to those who used whey protein.

While longer-term or larger-scale studies are limited, and some research suggests that animal-based proteins may be slightly superior for muscle building due to higher digestibility and amino acid content, pea protein is nonetheless established as an effective protein source for muscle support, especially for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dairy allergies. Thus, its use is scientifically validated, with moderate-quality evidence.