A 2026 meta-analysis in Frontiers found no significant difference between plant and animal protein for muscle strength and physical performance, but did find a small advantage for animal protein on lean mass, especially in younger adults. The finding holds true across multiple studies, though the effect size varies by protein source—soy-based plant protein performs notably better than non-soy plant proteins like pea and rice. The post's framing of "no differences" is technically accurate for strength and performance outcomes but glosses over meaningful distinctions in body composition effects.