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Pea protein acts as a conditioning agent in hair and skin care products.
Pea protein is utilized as a protein-rich ingredient in livestock and pet food.
Pea protein is used as a plant-based protein source in protein powders, shakes, and bars.
EC Number: Not applicable (mixture of proteins, not a single compound)
CAS Number: Not applicable (mixture derived from peas)
Chemical Formula: Variable (Protein composition derived from peas; contains amino acids in varying proportions)
Molecular Weight: Variable, depending on the peptide chain composition
SYNONYMS:
Pea Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Concentrate, Pisum Sativum Protein, Plant-Based Protein, Vegan Protein, Yellow Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Vegetable Protein
Pea protein is a food product and protein supplement derived and extracted from yellow and green split peas, Pisum sativum.
Pea protein can be used as a dietary supplement to increase an individual's protein or other nutrient intake, or as a substitute for other food products (e.g. the substitution of dairy milk by pea milk).
As a powder, Pea protein is used as an ingredient in food manufacturing, such as a thickener, foaming agent, or an emulsifier.
Pea protein is an ideal vegan protein source with its high protein content of nearly 85% and high quality amino acid profile.
Pea protein can be a great, healthy choice for getting supplementary protein.
Pea protein is ideal for vegans.
Pea protein has low in fat and sugar.
Pea protein can be difficult for someone on a vegan diet to get high amounts of protein.
Pea protein helps you increase the amount of protein you consume in your diet.
Apart from this, Pea protein can help people with all types of diets to consume protein by providing variety.
Pea protein contributes to the increase and maintenance of muscle mass and the preservation of normal bones.
Protein is one of the building blocks of food, a nutrient that gives food its structure.
Protein itself is made up of amino acids and protein from yellow peas contains easily digestible ones.
The amino acids are extracted and create a powder which anyone can use as a supplement to a well-balanced diet.
Pea protein is an ideal vegan protein source with its high protein content of nearly 85% and high quality amino acid profile.
Mainly made from peas produced in Europe and North America, pea protein is extracted from yellow pea (Pisum sativum) which represents a sustainable protein source and an alternative to the consumption of meat for the coming years.
Pea protein is the protein found in peas (Pisum sativum).
Pea protein contains all of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Pea protein is a source of protein that might improve the nutrient content of the diet.
Pea protein might also help people feel full for longer after eating.
Pea Protein is a natural, sustainable vegetable source, made from yellow split peas providing an alternative protein source for horses that suffer from food allergies.
Pea protein is clearly seeing a rise in popularity.
USES and APPLICATIONS of PEA PROTEIN:
Cosmetics: Pea protein acts as a conditioning agent in hair and skin care products.
Animal Feed: Pea protein is utilized as a protein-rich ingredient in livestock and pet food.
-Food Industry:
Pea protein is used as a plant-based protein source in protein powders, shakes, and bars.
A popular meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian food products like burgers and sausages.
Pea protein functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food formulations.
-Nutritional Supplements:
Pea protein provides a high-quality protein source for muscle recovery and general health.
Pea protein is commonly included in hypoallergenic or dairy-free products.
-Dietary supplement uses of Pea protein:
The nutritional qualities contained in pea proteins can be used to supplement people with certain deficiencies, or people seeking to enrich their diet with nutrients.
Peas are an excellent source of proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals.
-Dietary substitute uses of Pea protein:
Pea protein can be used as a protein substitute for those who cannot consume other sources as it is not derived from any of the most common allergenic foods (wheat, peanuts, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and milk).
Pea protein may be used in baked goods or other cooking applications to replace common allergens.
Pea protein is also processed industrially to form food products and alternative proteins such as alternative meat products, and non-dairy products.
Manufacturers of alternatives produce a dairy alternative pea milk.
Pea protein is also used in meat-alternatives and egg alternatives.
-Pea protein in food applications
In the current plant-based protein market, pea protein is the best alternative: for its nutrition, functionalities and sustainability.
Looking at new food product launches in Europe containing pea protein, its popularity on the market is evident: only 7 new products in 2007 containing pea protein compared to almost 600 new products in 2017.
Pea protein is largely used in bakery (mainly bread, with a 42% increase of new products in 5 years), meat, fish & eggs and sports nutrition.
Also ready meals and cereals were in the top food and beverage product launches in 2017 containing pea protein.
Interestingly, the dairy category is booming with an increase of 90% of product launches in 5 years.
KEY POINTS OF PEA PROTEIN:
*Naturally contains 80% protein
*Virtually free from starch & sugar
*From a sustainable source
*Pea Protein is a very versatile product suitable for horses requiring an increase in protein in the diet, without any extra digestible energy.
With an excellent amino acid profile, Pea protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids helping aid condition and topline, supporting an improvement in lean muscle mass.
*Virtually free from starch and sugars Pea Protein can also safely be fed to horses and ponies prone to laminitis, and good doers.
Performance horses working hard will benefit from the palatable, rich protein source especially if they are prone to being lethargic.
*Pea Protein will also help support coat, skin and hoof health.
*Suitable from broodmares, youngsters and older horses that require a boost in protein in the diet.
BENEFITS OF PEA PROTEIN:
*High quality protein, with a minimum of 80% protein content
*No allergen declaration needed, highly digestible
*Broad functionality, from providing solubility, emulsifying and binding properties, to improving texture & mouthfeel
*Sustainable, promotes soil health and reduces carbon emissions
FEATURES OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein can be difficult for someone on a vegan diet to get high amounts of protein.
Pea protein helps you increase the amount of protein you consume in your diet.
Apart from this, Pea protein can help people with all types of diets to consume protein by providing variety.
Protein contributes to the increase and maintenance of muscle mass and the preservation of normal bones.
HOW IS PEA PROTEIN OBTAINED?
The peas are dried, finely ground and mixed with water.
Organic enzymes from the plants are used to remove the fibre and starch, leaving only a paste with a high protein content.
This paste is dried and ground into a fine powder to make pea protein powder.
Large quantities of yellow peas are used to produce sufficient protein.
Pea protein is a 100% organic, additive, flavouring, added sugar-free herbal protein powder obtained from certified organic agricultural products.
HOW CAN I USE PEA PROTEIN?
Athletes can use pea protein powder by adding it to their drinks immediately after sports according to the intensity and weight of the sport.
In addition, Pea protein ratio of the food taken can be increased by adding up to 15-20 g to appropriate meals, snacks, and drinks during the day.
Pea protein does not lose its properties and nutritional value by heating.
Since Pea protein does not have a distinct taste, it does not change or spoil the taste of the dishes and recipes in which it is mixed.
Since pea protein powder does not affect the taste of yoghurt or cereals, it can be sprinkled on cereals or yoghurt.
Pea protein can be added to soups, smoothies, vegetable and fruit juices, milk, and vegetable milks.
Pea protein can be added to home-made pastries to increase the protein content of cakes, muffins, and cookies.
Pea protein can be added to home-made raw bars, date balls and sweet, salty cracker dough, pancakes.
PROPERTIES OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein is first used for its high protein content (aminogram covers 95% of the daily needs in essential amino acids of an adult) and good digestibility that make it interesting for the nutrition, particularly for child nutrition, elderly, food without lactose, vegetarianism, organic food...
Many lines of products for sports (protein supplementation) and clinical nutrition (support of malnutrition) use pea protein in their formulation.
Moreover, emulsifying properties, good solubility, outstanding dispersion in water, reaction of Maillard (non-enzymatic Browning), easy mixing, fluidity of powder... are all features of pea protein that are sought by food industries.
Pea protein is used in bakery, pastry, confectionery, dairy products and desserts.
Pea protein's sensory profile and texturized shape give it ease of use.
In addition, in culinary products, pea protein displays very good meat binding properties (meat extender) or even texture (meat substitute) in different applications (meats, steaks, nuggets, sauces, dishes cooked...).
WHY IS PEA PROTEIN PREFERRED?
Among the increasingly popular protein powders, yellow pea protein has become one of the most preferred vegetable protein sources thanks to its high protein content, gluten, and soy-free and easily digestible properties.
Pea protein is an alternative protein source for athletes, vegetarian, and vegan dieters, and those who follow a protein-heavy diet or want to diversify their protein sources.
Pea protein contains all essential amino acids and is also suitable for post-workout nutrition with its high protein content of 80%.
Pea protein is a good option for those with lactose sensitivity.
Although pea protein powder contains all 9 essential amino acids, it is recommended to use it with brown rice protein to obtain a complete amino acid profile in mg.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein is obtained by a process including dry and liquid phases.
First, during a dry process, the outer shell of the pea (essentially consisting of insoluble fibres), is removed by mechanical action.
After milling, a flour containing soluble fibres, starches and proteins is obtained.
Being water soluble, pea proteins are therefore separated from fiber and starch by wet filtration and centrifugation.
From this solution, there are two methods to obtain Pea protein isolate:
One is to precipitate the proteins to their isoelectric point at very high temperature.
Pea protein gets a thermo-coagulated protein to be used in animal nutrition.
The second one process is to precipitate the protein to Pea protein's isoelectric point, and then solubilizing the dry spray.
Pea protein gets a white powder of purified protein that can be used in human nutrition.
The obtained isolate has a protein content of about 85 to 90%.
It is marketed as such or can be modified to optimize its technical or nutritional properties through extrusion process.
This allows to get pea protein crisp or texturized.
PROPERTIES OF PEA PROTEIN:
*Rich in Essential Amino Acids:
Pea protein contains lysine, arginine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
*Hypoallergenic:
Free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten.
*High Digestibility:
Easy to digest compared to other plant proteins.
*Sustainability:
Environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based protein sources.
BENEFITS OF PEA PROTEIN:
*Muscle Building and Repair:
Ideal for athletes and active individuals.
*Supports Weight Management:
Pea protein provides satiety and reduces appetite.
*Allergen-Friendly:
Suitable for people with dietary restrictions or allergies.
*Eco-Friendly Choice:
Pea protein helps reduce the carbon footprint compared to animal-based proteins.
*Skin and Hair Care:
Pea protein enhances hydration, elasticity, and repair in cosmetic applications.
EXTRACTED OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein is extracted in a powder form and can be processed and produced in different ways:
As an isolate - through the process of wet fractionation which produces a high protein concentration
As a concentrate - through the process of dry fractionation which produces a low protein concentration
In textured form, which is when Pea protein is used in food products as a substitute for other products, such as meat alternatives
Pea protein is a food source due to its availability, low allergenicity, and high nutritional value.
Pea protein is a common source of plant food protein.
Pea protein is criticized for its effects on digestion, taste, and high sodium content[not in body.
Depending on the method of processing, pea protein can contain certain levels of trypsin inhibitors, phytates, and lectins, which can cause negative side effects, such as reduced nutrient uptake and intestinal damage.
AS A FOOD, PEA PROTEIN:
Nutrition
The health benefits derived from pea protein are mainly from the concentration and properties of starch, protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in peas.
Pea protein is high in fibre, which aids in mediating glycaemic response, and is able to help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure by decreasing the levels of cholesterol and post-brandial triglyceride in humans.
Due to its high fibre content, pea protein has a 94% rate of digestibility, which minimises stomach and gastrointestinal digestion issues, such as flatulence, and discomfort from bloating.
Its starch content also aids digestibility as Pea protein is attributed to the nonavailability to amylases of starch granules enclosed in intact cell wall structures, the presence of anti-nutrients such as amylase inhibitors, phytates and phenolics.
Pea proteins also contain high levels of folate.
This can help increase dietary folate levels, which is beneficial for people with anaemia and neural tube defects.
*Muscle mass
Pea protein can be used as a protein supplement to increase muscle mass.
Increasing protein intake creates a positive acute postprandial muscle protein synthesis response and may create a positive long-term improvement in lean mass.
Pea proteins also contain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which helps to promote muscle growth.
*Weight loss
The appetite-suppressing effects of peas may be related to high amounts of protein and dietary fibre, which may delay gastric emptying, attenuate glucose absorption and concentration and stimulate the release of appetite-regulating hormones.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PEA PROTEIN:
When compared to the extraction of other proteins such as whey and soy, the production of pea protein utilises fewer resources which can impact the environment, such as the use of water and fertilizers.
Pea proteins require less water in their production and extraction process, making pea proteins a more environmentally sustainable food source than its counterparts.
One study found that one kilogram of animal protein can only be obtained by feeding six kilograms of plant protein.
Another study found that the water footprint per gram of protein for eggs, chicken meat, and milk is 1.5 times larger than for peas.
In the case of beef, the water footprint per gram of protein is six times larger than for peas.
CRITICISMS OF PEA PROTEIN:
*Taste
Pea proteins have also been criticised for their taste, as they contain a compound called saponins, which can produce a bitter and metallic taste.
*Texture
Depending on the method of processing, pea protein can have a gritty texture.
*Composition
Depending on the method of processing, some pea proteins can contain high levels of anti-nutritional properties such as phytates, lectins, and trypsin inhibitors, which have negative side effects.
Trypsin inhibitors decrease the digestion of the protein.
Lectins can impede the uptake of glucose, decrease nutrient transport, and create damage to the mucosal layer of the intestines by binding to carbohydrate molecules.
Phytates affect the bioavailability and digestibility of the protein by forming complexes with essential dietary minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, affecting their absorption
NUTRITION, BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein powder is a supplement made by extracting protein from yellow peas.
Pea protein is a high-quality protein and a great source of iron.
Pea protein can aid muscle growth, weight loss and heart health.
Pea protein powder is typically used to increase the protein content of smoothies and shakes and is a great fit for almost any diet since it’s naturally vegan and hypoallergenic.
*Nutritional benefits
Pea protein powder — or pea protein isolate — is made by isolating the protein from ground yellow peas, forming a beige powder.
Nutrition facts can vary between brands, but — for example — two scoops (20 grams) of Pea Protein Powder contains:
Calories: 80
Protein: 15 grams
Carbs: 1 gram
Fiber: 1 gram
Total fat: 1.5 grams
Sodium: 230 mg
Iron: 5 mg
Pea protein powders offer a variety of nutritional benefits.
*High-quality protein source
Pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot create and must get from food.
However, Pea protein’s relatively low in methionine.
You can compensate for this by including other methionine-rich foods, like eggs, fish, poultry, beef, pork or brown rice in your diet.
Pea protein’s also a great source of branched-chain amino acids, especially arginine — which promotes healthy blood flow and heart health — and leucine, isoleucine and valine — which promote muscle growth.
In general, animal proteins are more easily digested and absorbed than plant-based proteins.
Still, research demonstrates that pea protein is one of the more easily digested plant-based proteins — just behind soy protein and chickpeas.
*Rich in iron
Pea protein powders are also rich in iron.
Most products contain around 5–7.5 mg of iron per serving — roughly 28–42% of the reference daily intake (RDI) for premenopausal women and 62–94% of the RDI for men and postmenopausal women.
However, the iron found in plant foods is less absorbable than that found in animal products.
This can be improved by consuming pea protein powder with vitamin C or vitamin-C-rich foods like citrus — which boosts iron absorption by up to 67% .
Since approximately 10% of American women are iron-deficient, including pea protein powder in your diet could be a great way to boost your intake of this nutrient.
*Works with many special diets
Pea protein powder is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and does not contain any of the top eight food allergens — peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cow’s milk, wheat and soy.
Therefore, Pea protein works with nearly any diet.
Pea protein also blends well with water and has a less gritty or chalky texture than other plant-based protein powders like hemp.
While pea protein powder works for most people, anyone with an allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to peas should avoid it.
Pea protein powder is a high-quality protein rich in iron, arginine and branched-chain amino acids.
Pea protein’s digested and absorbed well and works with a variety of diets.
PEA PROTEIN DRAWBACKS:
There aren’t many drawbacks to pea protein, notes DiMarino, as long as you properly incorporate it into your diet.
Essentially meaning, it should be a supplement, not a substitute for real food.
Remember the food-first approach and treat pea protein as an additional part of your daily intake, not in place of something else,.
The only real drawback is that because it’s a plant-based protein, it’s not as “bioavailable” as other proteins.
In other words,” he continues, “our bodies can’t readily use them.
They don’t have essential amino acids.
If you’re using pea protein, you’re still getting protein but be sure your diet includes foods that possess the necessary amino acids that help your body absorb the pea protein.
BENEFITS OF PEA PROTEIN:
The benefits of pea protein;
Several potential benefits can come with using pea protein, including:
*Easily digestible.
Pea protein is digested well and, therefore, is easy on your stomach, unlike high-fat meat products.
*Creamier texture.
If you enjoy a creamier texture to your shakes, pea protein shakes are creamier than other options like whey protein.
*Vegan-friendly.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, this is a staple you can easily fit into your diet.
*Hypoallergenic.
Pea protein is both gluten- and lactose-free, making it a preferred option for people who have those particular allergies.
*High in iron.
Pea protein delivers a healthy helping of this essential nutrient.
WHICH IS HEALTHIER?
PEA PROTEIN VS. WHEY PROTEIN:
When deciding between pea protein and another type, It’s not that one is better than another.
Pea protein just depends on what you’re looking for and what trade-offs you’re OK with.
Whey protein is the most popular of protein mixes, he continues, for a few reasons.
First, it’s easily absorbed by your body.
It’s also more affordable than other proteins, which can be a factor for many.
And it’s pretty similar to pea protein.
When you look at the nutrients whey protein has, it’s pretty similar in terms of proteins, fats and carbs.
One primary difference is that whey protein has lactose.
Also, while both whey and pea protein are naturally gluten-free, many whey protein powders are made with additives that contain gluten.
Pea protein powders are less likely to contain gluten additives, but they still can.
If you’re avoiding gluten, check the packaging of any protein powder you buy to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.
The only other difference worth noting is that pea protein contains more iron than whey, while whey has more calcium and potassium.
When it comes to choosing, it just depends on what you’re looking for, because they’re pretty similar when you compare macronutrients.
FUNCTIONAL PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein is also used as a low-cost functional ingredient in food manufacturing to improve the nutritional value and texture of food products.
Pea protein can also optimize the viscosity, emulsification, gelation, stability, or fat-binding properties of food.
For example, the capacity of pea protein to form stable foams is a property in cakes, souffles, whipped toppings, and fudges.
PRODUCTION OF PEA PROTEIN:
The manufacturing process of pea protein concentrates and isolates consists of protein extraction, purification, and drying.
The industrial production of pea protein begins with the steps of cleaning and splitting the pea crop and then processing them further.
*The cleaning process:
Cleaning uses equipment such as indent cleaners, which are used to remove impurities.
This process ensures that any allergens, such as wheat, barley and other seeds are removed, as these products contain gluten.
If not removed, Pea protein would affect its classification as a gluten-free product.
*The splitting process:
Following cleaning, the pea is split and "dehulled" using a dehuller.
The dehullers are a device that splits the pea seed and extracts the part of the whole seed which is the hull.
*Further processing:
Following the splitting process, the split peas are further processed either into starch, protein, and flour fractions.
Pea protein can be produced using two methods:
*The wet fractionation method; and
*The dry fractionation method.
*Wet fractionation method
The wet fractionation method is used to produce pea protein isolates.
Pea protein isolates generally contain a higher concentration of protein than pea protein concentrates.
Pea protein involves the extraction of the protein at an alkaline pH.
An alkaline pH is usually between pH 9.5-10.5.
During the extraction of the protein, Pea protein is dispersed in water so that other components of the pea, such as carbohydrates, are also extracted via ultrafiltration or iso-electric precipitation.
Isoelectric precipitation is where the dissolved proteins are precipitated out of the aqueous phase and separated in a decanter.
This stage occurs at a pH of 4.0-5.0.
Pea protein is separated from the by-products in a hydroclone.
The precipitated protein (curd) is separated from the supernatant (whey) by filtration or centrifugation.
The curd must be washed in order to remove residues of whey solubles.
Subsequently, the pH is neutralised and readjusted to 7, and a dry protein isolate is obtained with a final mechanical drying step, called spray-drying.
DRY FRACTIONATION METHOD OF PEA PROTEIN:
The dry fractionation method is used to produce pea protein concentrates.
It involves dry milling technology; a traditional mechanical process used to reduce the particle size of split or whole peas into coarse or fine flours.
The outer shell of the pea is first dehulled, which is then milled via impact or jet milling to produce a flour.
This process relies on differential particle size and density within the milled flour.
Once milled, air classification is used, to separate the smaller protein-rich fragments from larger starch-rich granules or fibre-rich particles.
During this process, an air flow fluidizes the milled flour in a separation chamber.
A classifier wheel submerged in the bed selects the small particles and allows these to form the fine fraction.
Larger particles are rejected by the classifier wheel, leave the chamber at the bottom, and make up the coarse fraction.
Dry fractionation is a more sustainable method of processing as it does not require the use of water and energy is not required to dry the protein
TYPES OF PEA PROTEIN:
There are three types of pea protein products, all of which are made from the yellow split pea.
*Pea protein isolate:
One of two types of pea protein you’re likely to come across in a store, an isolate is a powder that contains pea protein and amino acids and nothing else.
This type is great if you’re trying to lose weight and build muscle, since it gets more protein in your diet.
*Pea protein concentrate:
Pea protein concentrate contains less protein but contains either additional carbs and proteins or carbs and fats.
This is the preferred product if you’re looking to add weight or as a meal replacement because Pea protein has additional calories but it’s a good source of nutrition, too.
*Textured pea protein:
This type of protein is even less processed and you likely won’t come across Pea protein as a dietary supplement, as it’s mostly used to make meat alternative products.
This is primarily for people trying to cut down on meat and focus on a more vegetarian or vegan diet.
The type of pea protein that’s right for you depends on your needs.
HOW MUCH ACTUAL PROTEIN IS IN PEA PROTEIN?
One cup of yellow peas on their own contains about 8 grams of protein.
But one scoop of pea protein isolate — the protein powder you’d buy at a store — contains between 15 and 20 grams of protein for every 100 calories.
To put that in perspective, the recommended dietary allowance of protein for an adult is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of your body weight.
For example, a 175-pound person would need about 63 grams of protein a day.
If you’re active, you’ll need a little more.
In other words, pea protein powder packs a powerful punch, particularly as a dietary supplement.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein powder may not only be nutritionally beneficial but also good for your health.
Here are some of Pea protein's main benefits.
*Builds muscle mass
Studies show that pea protein powder can help build muscle when paired with resistance training.
In one 12-week study, weight-lifting men who consumed 50 grams of pea protein per day gained the same amount of muscle as those taking whey protein.
This suggests that pea protein powder is just as effective at building muscle mass as more common dairy-based protein powders.
However, adding extra protein to your diet without working out is not likely to have any effect on your muscles — it must be paired with consistent exercise.
*Keeps you full
Research has found that protein helps people feel fuller for longer than carbs or fat.
This means that high-protein diets may reduce overall calorie intake and lead to gradual weight loss over time.
Pea protein powder offers an easy way to add protein to your diet and reap these benefits.
A 2022 study found that pea protein powder is just as effective at promoting fullness as dairy-based protein powders like casein or whey.
Pea protein powder is a good option for increasing protein intake and boosting feelings of fullness after meals.
*Good for heart health
More studies are needed to see whether pea protein powder can also lower cholesterol in people.
Pea protein powder has a variety of health benefits, including boosting muscle growth, increasing feelings of fullness and promoting heart health.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES OF PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein powder is generally well tolerated.
Since it’s made by isolating protein from peas, Pea protein is relatively low in fiber and does not tend to cause gassiness or bloating like whole peas can for some people.
Nevertheless, pea protein powder can be relatively high in sodium — with products containing 110–390 mg per serving.
Therefore, people on a sodium-restricted diet may need to watch their intake.
Pea protein powder is generally well tolerated.
However, Pea protein can contain a relatively high amount of sodium.
FEATURES OF PEA PROTEIN:
*Pea protein is suitable for vegan use.
*Pea protein does not contain gluten, soy and lactose.
*Pea protein contains all 9 essential amino acids.
*Pea protein is 100% pea protein.
*Pea protein is easily digestible.
*Pea protein is a good alternative for vegans, vegetarians, those on protein-rich diets and athletes.
HOW TO USE PEA PROTEIN:
Pea protein powder is an easy way to boost your protein intake.
Pea protein may be especially helpful for people trying to increase muscle mass, like bodybuilders or older adults.
Research shows that eating 0.73 grams of protein per pound (1.6 grams per kg) of body weight per day is the most effective dose for building muscle.
However, Pea protein’s important not to exceed 2.3 grams of protein per pound (5 grams per kg) of body weight per day or get more than 35% of your calories from protein.
This is because, at extremely high doses, your liver may struggle to process protein fast enough, causing side effects like high levels of ammonia in the blood, nausea, diarrhea and even death.
Most people who use pea protein powder add it to smoothies or mix it with juice or water as a post-workout beverage.
OTHER CREATIVE USES OF PEA PROTEIN INCLUDE:
Pea protein is stirred into oatmeal, wheat porridge or brown rice cereal.
Pea protein is added to baked goods like muffins, brownies or waffles.
Pea protein is whisked into plant-based milk to create a more complete protein source.
Pea protein is blended into a smoothie and frozen inside popsicle molds.
For maximum muscle-building effects, pea protein powder should be consumed within two hours of exercising.
Pea protein powder can be added to food and beverages to increase your protein intake.
To boost muscle mass, drink your protein shake within two hours of exercise — but don’t consume all of your day’s protein allotment in one go.
PEA PROTEIN AND WHEY PROTEIN COMPARED:
Manufacturers make protein powder by extracting protein from whole foods and then concentrating and preparing it into a powdered form.
Depending on the specific type of supplement, manufacturers use a variety of techniques to isolate the desired protein.
These may include adding enzymes and acid, and using additional filtering processes.
The source of the proteins used for pea and whey protein powders is one of the biggest differences between the two.
Whey protein is isolated from whey, a milky by-product left over during the cheesemaking process.
Because it comes from milk, most whey protein powder contains the milk sugar lactose.
Pea protein is plant-based and lactose-free.
Pea protein’s isolated from legumes — yellow split peas, in particular.
COMPOSITION OF PEA PROTEIN:
Protein (nutrient)
Pea protein is rich in nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates. Pea protein also contains vitamins and minerals and is low in fat.
While generally rich in protein, the actual protein content of peas is variable and influenced by both genetic factors and environmental factors (such as soil and climate in which the peas are cultivated).
Typically, peas contain 23.1–30.9% protein, 1.5–2.0% fat, and minor constituents such as vitamins, phytic acid, saponins, polyphenols, minerals, and oxalates.
They also contain several classes of protein: globulin, albumin, prolamin, and glutelin.
The proteins are mainly albumins and globulins, which account for 10-20% and 70-80% of the protein in the pea seed, respectively.
The albumins are water-soluble and considered the metabolic and enzymatic proteins, while the globulins are salt soluble and act as the storage proteins for the seed.
Globulins can be further classified into legumin and vicilin, which belong to the 11S and 7S seed storage protein classes, respectively.
Legumin is a hexameric protein, and vicilin proteins are trimers.
Pea protein is considered to be an almost complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids, except for low levels of cysteine and methionine.
Pea seeds contain 60-65% carbohydrates mainly composed of oligosaccharides, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and disaccharides.
The major carbohydrate fraction in peas is starch, which is the major storage carbohydrate in the cotyledons.
Peas also contain high levels of dietary fibre, which consists of cellulose, gums, hemicellulose, pectin, mucilage, lignin, and resistant starches.
Dry pea has 17-27% dietary fibre depending on their cultivar, environment, and global growing region.
In terms of sugars, pea seeds contain 5-6% sucrose and raffinose.
Sucrose ranges from 2.2% to 2.6%, whereas oligosaccharides, such as stachyose have a range of 1.3-3.2%, verbascose 1.2-4.0%, and raffinose 0.2-1.0% depending on cultivar and environment.
The fat content of pea seeds ranges from 1.2% to 1.8% depending on the cultivar and about 25% of fatty acids are composed of oleic acid (18:1) and 50% of linoleic acid (18:2).
Pea seeds are also a rich source of minerals and vitamins, such as folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and niacin.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of PEA PROTEIN:
Chemical Formula: Variable (Protein composition derived from peas; contains amino acids in varying proportions)
Molecular Weight: Variable, depending on the peptide chain composition
Appearance: Fine yellowish to off-white powder
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Solubility: Partially soluble in water, depending on processing methods
Density: ~0.4–0.6 g/cm³
pH (in solution): 6.5–7.5
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions, sensitive to moisture and excessive heat
EC Number: Not applicable (mixture of proteins, not a single compound)
CAS Number: Not applicable (mixture derived from peas)
FIRST AID MEASURES of PEA PROTEIN:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of PEA PROTEIN:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of PEA PROTEIN:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of PEA PROTEIN:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of PEA PROTEIN:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of PEA PROTEIN:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
