Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chickpea protein is increasingly studied and used for supporting muscle health, primarily due to its nutritional profile rather than longstanding traditional use for muscle tone specifically. Chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based protein, providing essential amino acids necessary for muscle protein synthesis. Several studies have demonstrated that plant proteins, including those derived from chickpeas, can support muscle maintenance and recovery, especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet in combination with resistance exercise. However, chickpea protein is lower in certain amino acids (like methionine) compared to animal proteins, which may limit its efficacy for optimizing muscle synthesis if not complemented with other protein sources.

A 2021 review in Nutrients highlights that while plant proteins can support muscle mass and function, their anabolic potential may be lower than that of animal proteins due to differences in digestibility and amino acid composition. Nonetheless, studies show that consuming adequate total protein, regardless of source, is the key factor in maintaining muscle tone and preventing muscle loss (sarcopenia), particularly in older adults. There is limited direct clinical research on chickpea protein supplementation specifically for improving muscle tone, so most evidence is extrapolated from general studies on plant proteins. Therefore, while chickpea protein is a valid option for supporting muscle tone, the current scientific evidence is moderate and not as robust as for animal-derived proteins.

More about chickpea protein
More about Muscle Tone (lack of)

Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)

Other health conditions supported by chickpea protein

Products containing chickpea protein