Moderate evidencePhysical performance

Fava Bean Protein

A legume protein powder free of soy, dairy and gluten. Small human trials suggest it supports muscle about as well as milk protein over weeks, though one study found no acute effect on muscle protein synthesis.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

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What the science says

Comparable to milk protein over weeks Moderate evidence
A randomized trial in healthy young men found a Vicia faba peptide supplement no different from milk protein for changes in muscle size during short-term immobilization, and it produced higher muscle protein synthesis rates during remobilization.
No acute effect in one small trial Limited evidence
A randomized controlled trial in 16 young adults found that 0.33 g/kg of fava bean protein did not raise myofibrillar protein synthesis at rest or after resistance exercise compared with an amino-acid-free control.
Plant protein in general holds up Moderate evidence
A meta-analysis of 16 RCTs found no difference between animal and plant protein for absolute lean mass or muscle strength, with a small advantage for animal protein on percent lean mass in adults under 50.

Dosage & safety

Studied dose20–40 g per serving, as with other protein powders. Trials used roughly 0.3 g per kg of body weight per dose.

SafetyPeople with G6PD deficiency should avoid fava products because of the risk of favism (hemolysis); protein isolates remove most, but not necessarily all, of the vicine and convicine responsible. Fava is high in FODMAPs and commonly causes gas and bloating.

Scientific references

Vicia faba Peptide Network Supplementation Does Not Differ From Milk Protein in Modulating Changes in Muscle Size During Short-Term Immobilization and Subsequent Remobilization, but Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates During Remobilization in Healthy Young Men
Weijzen MEG, Holwerda AM, Jetten GHJ — J Nutr, 2023
The Effect of Fava Bean (Vicia faba L.) Protein Ingestion on Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis at Rest and after Resistance Exercise in Healthy, Young Men and Women: A Randomised Control Trial
Davies RW, Kozior M, Lynch AE — Nutrients, 2022
Animal Protein versus Plant Protein in Supporting Lean Mass and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Lim MT, Pan BJ, Toh DWK — Nutrients, 2021

Where to buy

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EAA (Essential Amino Acids) Moderate evidence