Research
Macro partitioning
Animal protein improves muscle mass compared to non-soy plant proteins (rice, chia, oat, potato) and plant-based diets, while soy protein is equivalent to milk protein for muscle mass.
If you are using plant protein, soy is just as good as animal protein for building muscle. Other plant proteins (rice, pea, oat, potato) may be less effective, so consider combining them or supplementing with soy or animal protein if muscle mass is a priority.
GoodQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Animal protein improved muscle mass compared with non-soy plant proteins (rice, chia, oat, and potato; SMD = –0.58; 95% CI: –1.06, –0.09; P = .02) (n = 5 RCTs) and plant-based diets (SMD = –0.51; 95% CI: –0.91, –0.11; P = .01) (n = 7 RCTs). There was no pooled effect difference between soy and milk protein for muscle mass (SMD = –0.02; 95% CI: –0.20, 0.16; P = .80) (n = 17 RCTs).
Why this rating
Based on subgroup analyses of the meta-analysis.
Source
Effect of Plant Versus Animal Protein on Muscle Mass, Strength, Physical Performance, and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Rachel Reid-McCann et al. · Nutrition Reviews · 2025
Meta-analysis · 43 studiesCited 18×
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