We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Casein Protein wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 3 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
30-40g before bed
30-60 minutes before bed, Between meals for sustained protein
Micellar Casein powder
150-300mg kavalactones daily
Evening for relaxation, 30-60 minutes before stressful events, Before bed for sleep
Water-extracted root powder or capsules
Overnight
2-4 weeks
4-8 hours
Always
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
1-2 hours
Effects of supplementation with milk protein on glycemic parameters: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Nutrition journal (2023) · Meta analysis · n=1851
The findings of this study suggest that supplementation with MP may improve glycemic control in adults by reducing the values of fasting insulin, FBG, and HOMA-IR.
Pre-Sleep Casein Supplementation, Metabolism, and Appetite: A Systematic Review
Nutrients (2021) · Systematic review · n=11
However, it remains unclear what the effect of this nutritional strategy is on non-muscular parameters such as metabolism and appetite in both healthy and unhealthy populations.
Pre-sleep protein ingestion to improve the skeletal muscle adaptive response to exercise training
Nutrients (2016) · Systematic review · n=387
Pre-sleep protein enhances training adaptations
Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
Other encouraging herbal medicines with preliminary evidence include Curcuma longa (turmeric) in depression, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in affective disorders, and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) as an adjunctive treatment in Schizophrenia.
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
An open-ended search to 5 July 2017 was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library online databases and performed in a stepped format from preclinical to clinical investigations.
Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Sleep medicine reviews (2015) · Meta analysis · n=1602
There was no statistically significant difference between any herbal medicine and placebo, or any herbal medicine and active control, for any of the thirteen measures of clinical efficacy.
Based on systematic review (n=387) showing pre-sleep casein enhances training adaptations and increases muscle fiber size. Optimal dose identified as 30-40g. Limited to pre-sleep timing and requires concurrent exercise training.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing efficacy vs placebo with effect size comparable to benzodiazepines for mild-moderate anxiety. WS1490 extract showed OR=3.3 vs placebo. Effectiveness limited to 60% due to mixed results in some GAD populations and study quality limitations.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Casein Protein has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For improve deep sleep quality, Kava has a higher relevance score (55 vs 40).
No known interactions between Casein Protein and Kava have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.