The Claim
Long-term supplementation with plant-based protein (primarily soy) results in no statistically significant differences in upper body muscle strength, lower body muscle strength, gait speed, chair stand performance, timed up and go, or short physical performance battery scores compared to animal-based protein (primarily dairy) in adults aged 18 and older.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In adults aged 18 and older, long-term use of plant-based protein from soy does not produce different results in muscle strength, walking speed, or physical performance tests compared to animal-based protein from dairy.
See the scientific wording
Long-term supplementation with plant-based protein (primarily soy) does not result in statistically significant differences in upper or lower body muscle strength, gait speed, chair stand performance, timed up and go, or short physical performance battery scores compared to animal-based protein (primarily dairy) in adults aged 18 and older, despite high heterogeneity and very low certainty of evidence for most outcomes.
The body breaks down both plant and animal proteins into the same amino acids, uses them to build and repair muscle tissue at the same rate, and maintains muscle strength and movement ability regardless of the protein source.
What the research says
1 studyWhen people took soy protein or dairy protein for six months or longer, both groups got just as strong and could walk, stand up, and move around equally well — so the type of protein didn’t make a difference.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.