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Pea protein preload improves postprandial glucose response in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study.

  • 2026-06
  • European journal of nutrition 65(4)
    • Arig Elbira
    • Priscilla Grace Gnanasekaran Punithalayal
    • Alan Javier Hernández-Álvarez
    • Christine Boesch

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
ten healthy adults
Methods
acute randomized cross-over trial, pea protein drink either before (PrePP) or with (PP) a standard carbohydrate-rich meal, compared with a control meal (CHO)
Duration
180 min post-meal consumption
  • Rigorous Journal

Purpose

Protein intake has shown benefits to mitigate postprandial hyperglycaemic excursions. In particular, whey protein has demonstrated strong potential for postprandial glucose management, and more recent findings highlighted evidence for increased efficacy of whey protein when consumed before, rather than with a carbohydrate-rich meal. Given the strong interest yet limited evidence on plant-based protein, the present study compared the potential of pea protein consumed prior to carbohydrates, on postprandial glucose as well as satiety and blood pressure (BP).

Methods

In an acute randomized cross-over trial, ten healthy adults consumed a pea protein drink either before (PrePP) or with (PP) a standard carbohydrate-rich meal, compared with a control meal (CHO). Continuous glucose monitoring, satiety levels and BP were recorded over 180 min post-meal consumption.

Results

Both PP and PrePP significantly reduced postprandial glucose excursion (0.46 vs. 1.125 mmol/L), compared to CHO (1.89 mmol/L). The effect was more pronounced with PrePP, exhibiting a delayed glucose response and a blunted peak beyond 60 min. Systolic BP remained unchanged, whereas both PP and PrePP significantly reduced diastolic BP compared to CHO (- 4.2 mmHg at 150 min, p < 0.05; -9.2 mmHg at 180 min, p < 0.01, respectively). PP significantly increased fullness and reduced hunger after 60 and 180 min, respectively, whereas PrePP significantly decreased hunger after 60 min of carbohydrate consumption.

Conclusion

Given the enhanced efficacy in lowering postprandial glucose when consumed before carbohydrates, pea protein pre-meal consumption could be considered as part of a dietary strategy to manage postprandial glycaemia well comparable to whey protein.

Research Insights

  • Pea Protein→Increased Blood Glucose Levels

    Both PP and PrePP significantly reduced postprandial glucose excursion (0.46 vs. 1.125 mmol/L), compared to CHO (1.89 mmol/L).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not stated
  • Pea Protein→Increased Fullness

    PP significantly increased fullness... after 60 and 180 min...

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not stated
  • Pea Protein→Reduced Diastolic Blood Pressure

    both PP and PrePP significantly reduced diastolic BP compared to CHO (- 4.2 mmHg at 150 min, p < 0.05; -9.2 mmHg at 180 min, p < 0.01, respectively).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not stated
  • Pea Protein→Reduced Hunger

    PP significantly increased fullness and reduced hunger after 60 and 180 min, respectively, whereas PrePP significantly decreased hunger after 60 min of carbohydrate consumption.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not stated
  • Pea Protein→Reduced Systolic Blood Pressure

    Systolic BP remained unchanged...

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not stated
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