A major review of protein intake and aging published in a Cell Press journal analyzes findings from more than 350 studies across humans and multiple animal and lab models. The review suggests that eating less protein—or reducing intake of specific amino acids—can activate biological pathways linked to healthier aging. Reported effects in the broader literature include improvements in metabolism and energy use, and reductions associated with inflammation and cellular damage. One mechanism highlighted in coverage involves changes in hormone signaling, including increased FGF21, which may promote energy expenditure and thermogenesis in fat tissue. The review also discusses how lower protein intake may influence cell-growth, repair, and cellular recycling processes that are thought to contribute to aging. Sources emphasize that the idea is not to cause protein deficiency. Instead, the review frames protein restriction as avoiding potentially unnecessary excess intake when people already meet their needs. Coverage notes that for adults who consume sufficient protein, additional benefits from higher protein intake may be limited, while lower protein intake may be more relevant for certain groups, including sedentary adults, depending on how much protein they already consume.
Review finds lower protein intake may support healthier aging and metabolism
A major review of protein intake and aging published in a Cell Press journal analyzes findings from more than 350 studies across humans and multiple animal and lab models. The review suggests that eat...
- A review of more than 350 studies examines protein intake effects on aging.
- The review finds that lower protein intake or lower amounts of certain amino acids may support healthier aging-related biological pathways.
- Reported benefits in the literature include effects on metabolism and links to reduced inflammation and cellular damage.
- A proposed mechanism involves increased FGF21 signaling, which may raise energy expenditure and thermogenesis in fat tissue.
- The review distinguishes protein restriction from protein deficiency and emphasizes avoiding unnecessary excess when dietary protein needs are already met.
A comprehensive analysis of more than 350 studies suggests eating less protein—not more—may promote healthier aging and a longer life, especially among sedentary adults.
1 hour ago"A major scientific review is challenging the idea that more protein is always better," reports ABC News: The review, led by pathologist and biomedical researcher Dudley Lamming and published in the journal Cell Press Blue, examined more than 350 studies involving humans, mice, insects, yeast, and other organisms. The review found that eating less protein, or less of certain amino acids that make up protein, may turn on body processes linked to healthier aging, as well as metabolism, the process by which the body turns food and drinks into energy... For adults who already get enough, eating more protein may offer little benefit, while some research suggests that eating less protein could support healthier aging... Lamming reviewed the effect of reducing protein in many body processes. One of the processes involves a hormone called FGF21. "There's an increase in a hormone called FGF21 that promotes energy expenditure [when protein intake is reduced]," Lamming said. "It essentially increases thermogenesis in your adipose tissue, so you don't just store fat, but actually burn it as fuel." This may help explain why some studies connect lower-protein diets with less body fat, better blood sugar control and a healthier metabolism. Eating less protein may also affect signals that tell cells when to grow, repair damage or recycle old cell parts. These jobs may play a role in aging. However, protein restriction is not the same as protein deficiency. The goal is not to deprive the body of an essential nutrient. Instead, the research raises the possibility that avoiding unnecessary excess could benefit some people who already consume enough... Before reaching for another high-protein product, a better question may be: How much protein does my body actually need? Read more of this story at Slashdot.
3 hours agoA sweeping review of more than 350 studies suggests that the protein boom may be overselling what many people actually need. Eating less protein appears to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation and cellular damage, and activate pathways linked to healthier aging and longer life.
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