Researcher cautions that high protein intake may accelerate aging in inactive adults
A study suggests that reducing protein consumption could help slow age-related decline for most adults who do not engage in regular exercise, while athletes may be less affected.
U.S. dietary guidelines released under the current health secretary recommend a daily protein intake of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, roughly twice the previous recommendation. The average American man consumes about 100 grams of protein each day, according to the review.
Clinical trials have shown that participants who lowered their protein intake lost weight and body fat and experienced improvements in fasting blood sugar, even when total calorie consumption was higher. The researcher noted that physically active individuals, such as athletes, appear less vulnerable to the potential negative effects of high protein because exercise directs excess amino acids toward muscle rather than metabolic pathways linked to disease.
"Protein recommendations should consider not only age but also how physically active people are," the researcher said.
The findings suggest that for most sedentary adults, moderating protein consumption may be a strategy to mitigate age-related health risks.