Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidencePhysical performance

Pumpkin Seed Protein

A plant protein made from defatted pumpkin seed, with a decent amino acid profile but low lysine. There are no human trials testing it for muscle or strength; what exists is food-science characterisation.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Protein quality Limited evidence

    Food-science reviews describe pumpkin seed protein as a well-digestible plant protein with good arginine and branched-chain amino acid content but limiting lysine. These are compositional analyses, not human outcome studies.

  • Muscle and strength outcomes Limited evidence

    No randomized trial has tested pumpkin seed protein for lean mass, strength or recovery in humans. Any muscle claim is extrapolated from protein intake in general, not from this ingredient.

  • Plant versus animal protein Moderate evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials found a small advantage for animal protein over plant protein for lean mass, particularly in younger adults. Pumpkin seed protein was not among the sources studied, and blending it with a lysine-rich protein would be the practical workaround.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied dose. Typical label servings supply 20–25 g of protein; pairing it with a lysine-rich source such as legume protein improves the amino acid profile.
SafetyA food ingredient with no specific known risks. Seed allergies are possible but uncommon. The mineral content advertised on labels (zinc, magnesium) is largely removed during protein isolation, so do not count on it as a mineral source.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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