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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Arginine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
14 of 22 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
3-6g daily
30-60 minutes before exercise, Divided doses throughout the day for cardiovascular benefits
L-Arginine powder or capsules
20-40g per serving (aim for ~2-3g leucine; ~0.7-1g protein/lb bodyweight total daily)
any
Pea protein isolate (often blended with rice protein)
30-60 minutes
During exercise
2-4 weeks
Immediate
4-12 weeks
Acute-days
Acute
Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=7920
Compared to standard diet, protein supplements may result in little to no difference in pressure ulcer incidence (protein 21 per 1000, standard diet 28 per 1000; RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.14; 4 studies, 4264 participants; low-certainty evidence).
Comparative Effects of Different Nutritional Supplements on Inflammation, Nutritional Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2841
Glutamine was superior in decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α (MD -25.2; 95% CrI [-32.62, -17.95]), whereas combined omega-3 and arginine supplementation was more effective in decreasing interleukin-6 (MD -61.41; 95% CrI [-97.85, -24.85]).
Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=629
It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement increases the proportion of ulcers healed at 16 weeks compared with placebo (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.40).
Effects of Whey and Pea Protein Supplementation on Post-Eccentric Exercise Muscle Damage: A Randomized Trial.
Nutrients (2020) · Rct · n=92
No significant pea-vs-whey difference in recovery outcomes
Resistance training increases myofibrillar protein synthesis in middle-to-older aged adults consuming a typical diet with no influence of protein source: a randomized controlled trial.
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2025) · Rct · n=27
Increased muscle protein synthesis with training + pea protein
Real ileal amino acid digestibility of pea protein compared to casein in healthy humans: a randomized trial.
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2022) · Rct · n=15
Pea protein is well digested, though slightly below casein
Based on meta-analysis showing mean reductions of 5.39 mmHg systolic and 2.66 mmHg diastolic. Effects are modest and may not be clinically significant for all individuals. GI side effects increase notably above 6g.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Arginine has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 5.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For speed up recovery, Arginine has a higher relevance score (60 vs 52).
No known interactions between Arginine and Pea Protein have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.