Fava Bean Protein
Vicia faba
Also known as: Fava bean protein isolate, Broad bean protein, Vicia faba protein, Field bean protein, Faba bean protein isolate
This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 3.0/10).
Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- FAVISM RISK in G6PD deficiency (haemolytic anaemia — common in Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/African/Asian populations); legume allergen; L-DOPA trace content
Contraindications
- FAVISM RISK in G6PD deficiency (haemolytic anaemia — common in Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/African/Asian populations); legume allergen; L-DOPA trace content
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Fava bean (Vicia faba, Fabaceae) protein isolate is an emerging plant-based protein ingredient used in vegan protein blends, commonly combined with pea and rice protein to improve amino acid completeness. Fava bean protein contains ~25–30% protein in the whole bean; isolates achieve 80–90% protein content. Amino acid profile is relatively complete with good lysine content (complementary to rice protein which is lysine-deficient) and moderate leucine. Digestibility (PDCAAS/DIAAS) is lower than whey but improving with processing technology. Generally well tolerated. CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: Fava beans naturally contain vicine and convicine (pyrimidine glycosides) — in individuals with G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency — an X-linked enzyme deficiency prevalent in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian populations), fava bean consumption can trigger acute haemolytic anaemia (favism), a potentially life-threatening condition. Protein isolates may retain trace amounts of these compounds depending on processing. Individuals with known or suspected G6PD deficiency should avoid fava bean protein supplements. G6PD deficiency affects ~400 million people globally (WHO). Also contains low levels of L-DOPA (levodopa precursor) — theoretical interaction with MAOIs and Parkinson’s medications, though supplement doses are unlikely to be clinically significant. LEGUME allergen: cross-reactivity with peanut and other legumes possible. Avoid in legume/pea/lentil allergy.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Vicia faba
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Sports Nutrition
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- FAVISM RISK in G6PD deficiency (haemolytic anaemia — common in Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/African/Asian populations); legume allergen; L-DOPA trace content
The available scientific evidence for Fava Bean Protein indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 აპრ 2026, 12:09
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSmall sips, big losses: measuring the feeding threshold of Lygus (Hemiptera: Miridae) on faba bean (Vicia faba) seeds. ↗Aguiar-Cordero T et al.. Small sips, big losses: measuring the feeding threshold of Lygus (Hemiptera: Miridae) on faba bean (Vicia faba) seeds.. J Econ Entomol. 2026. PMID:41921512.PMID 41921512 ↗Journal J Econ EntomolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41921512/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWThyme Oil Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Disturbances in Mitotic Activity, Cytoskeletal Organization and H3T3/H3S10 Phosphorylation in Vicia faba. ↗Gocek-Szczurtek N et al.. Thyme Oil Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Disturbances in Mitotic Activity, Cytoskeletal Organization and H3T3/H3S10 Phosphorylation in Vicia faba.. Int J Mol Sci. 2026. PMID:41898658.PMID 41898658 ↗Journal Int J Mol SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41898658/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCompositional and microstructural changes in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during soaking and boiling. ↗Fernandez Castaneda LA et al.. Compositional and microstructural changes in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during soaking and boiling.. Curr Res Food Sci. 2026. PMID:41884578.PMID 41884578 ↗Journal Curr Res Food SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41884578/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWExtraction strategies integrated with digitalization processes for the characterization of proteins from broad bean and red beetroot waste leaves. ↗Slavica A et al.. Extraction strategies integrated with digitalization processes for the characterization of proteins from broad bean and red beetroot waste leaves.. Ultrason Sonochem. 2026. PMID:41881884.PMID 41881884 ↗Journal Ultrason SonochemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41881884/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWContrasting roles of VfSBP transcription factors in regulating disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance in faba bean. ↗Chen S et al.. Contrasting roles of VfSBP transcription factors in regulating disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance in faba bean.. Plant Cell Rep. 2026. PMID:41876823.PMID 41876823 ↗Journal Plant Cell RepYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41876823/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCorrection: Kinetic and isothermal insights on phenol removal via biochar from vicia Faba stems. ↗Barbari F et al.. Correction: Kinetic and isothermal insights on phenol removal via biochar from vicia Faba stems.. Sci Rep. 2026. PMID:41872376.PMID 41872376 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41872376/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWFunctional Potential of Peruvian Fava Bean Flours in Bread: Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Bioaccessibility. ↗Nicolau AAP et al.. Functional Potential of Peruvian Fava Bean Flours in Bread: Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Bioaccessibility.. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2026. PMID:41865089.PMID 41865089 ↗Journal Plant Foods Hum NutrYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41865089/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWChemical profile of Vicia faba L. bee bread and its antioxidant properties. ↗Abd El-Wahed AA et al.. Chemical profile of Vicia faba L. bee bread and its antioxidant properties.. Nat Prod Res. 2026. PMID:41849723.PMID 41849723 ↗Journal Nat Prod ResYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41849723/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWMagnesium Leaf Application as a Rapid Tool for Salt Stress Resistance in Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.). ↗Parisa D et al.. Magnesium Leaf Application as a Rapid Tool for Salt Stress Resistance in Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.).. Plants (Basel). 2026. PMID:41829796.PMID 41829796 ↗Journal Plants (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41829796/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEnhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity and improving soil fertility using organic amendments in alkaline soil. ↗Gharib HS et al.. Enhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity and improving soil fertility using organic amendments in alkaline soil.. BMC Plant Biol. 2026. PMID:41826844.PMID 41826844 ↗Journal BMC Plant BiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41826844/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Fava Bean Protein. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a moderate safety concern. Caution is advised, particularly at high doses or in sensitive populations.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Moderate classification for Fava Bean Protein
A score of 3.0 places this ingredient in the Moderate band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.