Can Eating Less Protein Help You Live Longer? Studies Offer Clues
A recent review of over 350 studies suggests that reducing protein intake may improve metabolic health and potentially extend lifespan in animal models. However, experts note that these findings may not directly translate to humans and that protein remains essential for active individuals.
Why it matters
It challenges conventional dietary wisdom regarding high-protein diets and highlights the complexity of nutritional science.
A new review, published July 31 in Cell Press Blue , analyzed more than 350 laboratory and animal studies and found that reducing protein intake may improve metabolism while reducing inflammation and cellular damage.
The potential benefits, however, may depend on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health.
“It’s absolutely crystal clear that there are benefits of protein to muscle growth and exercise response of active individuals,” Dudley Lamming , PhD, one of the review’s authors, said in a press release . “But because most people are relatively sedentary, many people are likely consuming more protein than they actually need, which probably has negative health consequences.”
The review found that moderate protein restriction — and restricting specific amino acids , including methionine , isoleucine, and valine — extended life span in rodent studies.
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