At the KAHN CENTER, we teach plant-based diets that are naturally lower in protein and absent animal protein. We also teach the science of Valter Longo, PhD, the leading researcher on nutrition in the USA, and his Longevity Diet approach to nutrition science.
The "noise" over high protein diets, double or more that recommended by the USA, is a constant point of confusion for those listening to podcasts or scrolling throught social media sites. These are NOT scientific platforms.
In a
new study, theassociation between high protein intake and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was conflicting and the role of age in this relationship was studied. The study aimed to examine the association of high protein diet with the risk of CVD and the interaction of age in this association.
STUDY
Participants from UK biobank (2007–2023) with at least 1 dietary questionnaire and without history of chronic diseases at baseline were included. High-protein diet was defined as protein intake ≥1.8 g·kg−1·day−1. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
RESULTS
Among 19,420 participants, the median age was 54 years and 73% were women. With a follow-up of 256258.9 person-years, 967 MACEs occurred.
After adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors, participants with high-protein intake had a 21% higher risk of MACE compared with participants with low-protein intake.
High-protein diet was also associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, heart failure, myocardial infarction and CVD death by up to 73% higher.
In an analysis based on age, participants over 55 years eating a high protein intake were associated with higher risk of MACE by 36%. Whereas, among participants younger than 55 years, the association was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher protein intake was related to higher incidence of MACE in participants over 55 years old, but the association was not evident in their counterparts younger than 55 years old.
There are always limitations to database studies such as this one but the authors made every effort to correct for factors other than protein intake. The idea that increased protein intake, particularly of animal origin, might increase cardiac MACE is plausible. Theories include raising IGF-1, saturated fat, absence of fiber and phytonutrients, elevated TMAO levels, exposure to Neu5Gc, increased inflammation, increased insulin resistance, and higher levels of pesticides and hormones in the flesh of animal protein sources from conventional farming.
Overall, at the KAHN CENTER, we will continue to teach lower protein and plant based diets as the foundation for optimal heart health.
