Alfalfa Protein

Protein

What is it

Alfalfa protein is a plant protein concentrate isolated from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaves. It is used as a vegan protein source and as a constituent of greens powders, providing essential amino acids plus alfalfa polyphenols.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vegan protein support

Limited Evidence

Alfalfa protein provides a complete amino acid profile suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, though it has been less studied than soy or pea.

How it works

Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate (LPC) is a complete protein with a balanced amino acid profile, often comparable to soy in essential amino acid content. The protein is extracted from leaves through juicing and heat coagulation. Alfalfa also contains saponins, isoflavones, vitamin K, and chlorophyll, which co-extract with protein concentrate. These contribute additional nutritional and functional effects but also include compounds (like canavanine) that can be concerns at high intake.

Dosage

Protein needs follow general guidelines (0.8 to 1.6 g/kg/day). Alfalfa protein powders typically deliver 15 to 25 g protein per scoop.

When and how to take it

Take any time of day; protein timing is less critical than total daily intake.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Alfalfa leaf protein concentrate

Often blended with other plant proteins for complete amino acid coverage.

Digestibility is good after extraction and processing.

Safety

Considered safe at typical use. High intake of alfalfa seed (rather than leaf protein) has been linked to lupus-like syndromes due to canavanine content. Leaf protein concentrate has lower canavanine content than seeds.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in active autoimmune disease (especially lupus or SLE) due to historical concerns. Pregnancy at food levels is safe; high-dose extracts have less data.

Interactions

Vitamin K content can affect warfarin dosing. Theoretical interactions with hormone-modulating medications due to isoflavone content.

Food sources

Alfalfa sprouts (food)

Amount
30 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is alfalfa protein safe for lupus?⌄

Avoid in active autoimmune disease, particularly lupus, due to concerns about alfalfa seed compounds triggering symptoms.

Is alfalfa a complete protein?⌄

The leaf protein concentrate contains all essential amino acids in adequate proportions.

References

Alfalfa Protein on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Alfalfa Protein (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Alfalfa Protein with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.