Maintaining muscle is essential to our wellbeing. But how? The answer may be protein intake, yet which type of protein is better? A new study published inClinical Nutrition reports that soy protein is just as good as casein protein for maintaining muscle mass, which is good news for vegans and vegetarians.


Whether you’re a hardcore athlete or a morning stroller, maintaining muscle is essential to our wellbeing. The answer to maintaining muscles is protein intake, but which type is better? A new study published in theClinical Nutritionreports that soy protein is just as good as casein protein for maintaining muscle mass, which is good news for vegans and vegetarians.

The study involved 22 healthy 22-year-olds, selected randomly and tasked with eating casein or soy meals. The results of the study revealed that both groups showed the same muscle protein synthesis rates. In other words, both soy and casein are just as good for muscle health, says Johann Tergesen, president and COO of Burcon NutraScience Corp., a Vancouver, B.C.-based nutrition, health and wellness company specializing in functional, renewable plant proteins.

“Soy is a widely accepted, economical source of high quality plant protein, with both a balanced nutritional profile and recognized health benefits. Plant proteins offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to animal derived proteins,” Tergesen says.

To learn more about the study, visit http://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(10)00114-7/abstract.