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Nutrition | Review suggests eating less protein could extend lifespan

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A review of 350 studies by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that restricting protein intake could improve metabolism, reduce cellular damage and extend lifespan in some animals.
  • Low-protein diets extended the lives of mice and rats by as much as 53%, while the researchers suggested similar effects might be possible in humans without reducing total calorie intake.
  • Finnish nutrition professor Ursula Schwab warned that excessive protein consumption can strain the kidneys, add calories and displace carbohydrates and fats from the diet.

Protein bars and other fortified foods now fill supermarket shelves, while gyms and friends promote extra protein as something almost everyone needs. The trend is similar in Finland and the United States, but a new review from researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison argues that it may not be good for health.

The review, published in Cell Press Blue, covered 350 studies. It concluded that reducing protein intake improved metabolism, reduced cellular damage and slowed aging in many animals. In mice and rats, a low-protein diet extended lifespan by as much as 53%.

Researchers have known for decades that restricting energy intake can lengthen life, but maintaining a long-term calorie reduction is difficult. The review’s authors suggest that reducing protein could produce similar effects while leaving total energy intake unchanged. In mouse experiments, protein made up 20% of the control diet. The strongest lifespan gains came when protein was reduced to 5% to 8%.

Ursula Schwab, a professor of nutritional therapy at the University of Eastern Finland, declined to comment on the mouse studies but criticized the human protein craze. “I have been distressed to watch this hype, which has already lasted quite a long time,” she said.

Finns already get at least enough protein on average: protein accounts for 18% of their energy intake, compared with a recommended range of 10% to 20%. The body needs protein for muscle growth and tissue maintenance, but some people focused on physical performance now aim for two grams per kilogram of body weight, compared with a general recommendation of around one gram. Heavy exercise increases protein needs, Schwab said, but very large amounts do not help muscle growth. Excess protein can strain the kidneys, be burned for energy and contribute to weight gain. A narrow focus on protein can also leave too little room for carbohydrates, which provide the body’s most important and readily available energy source during strenuous exercise.

I have been distressed to watch this hype, which has already lasted quite a long time.

· Ursula SchwabThe University of Eastern Finland professor criticized the public enthusiasm for high-protein diets.
About this summary

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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