Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 2 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 3 randomized controlled trials, 2 reported beneficial moderate-sized effects on muscle strength, while 1 found a neutral small effect. Only 1 study reached statistical significance. Effects were typically observed after 12 weeks of supplementation. The studies primarily involved clinical populations (post-operative knee replacement patients and older adults with type 2 diabetes); one study used pea protein, not whey, in sedentary adults.
- Studied populations: post-operative knee replacement patients, older adults with type 2 diabetes
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Many of the included studies did not reach statistical significance — effect may be smaller than the predominant direction suggests. Additionally, one study used pea protein rather than whey, and the neutral study used a twice-weekly dosing schedule (33 g) which may not be optimal for continuous stimulation. Dose was not consistently reported across studies.
Generated Jun 11, 2026