High protein nearly as bad as smoking

[Pseudonym]

The NZ Herald reports that a couple of studies have shown that high protein diets aren't so good for you, after all...

They tested 25 different diet combinations on 900 mice to see what happened to their appetite, metabolic health, ageing and lifespan. Although the mice on a high-protein diet ate less and were slimmer, they also had a reduced lifespan and poor heart and overall health. Those on a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet ate more and got fat, but lived longest.The mice that ate a high-fat, low-protein diet died quickest.

...

Another study analysed the diet of 6,831 middle-aged and older adults. Those who derived more than 20 per cent of their calories from protein were four times more likely to die of cancer or diabetes than other people.

Uh oh! :-O

[Kalidane]

It would be nice if the newspaper would reference the studies they mention.

 

There is plenty of literature demonstrating that a low fibre diet contributes to cancer.  A typical 'western' diet that is high in protein is also low in fibre.  Univariate analysis and the absense of context is pretty much always auto-fail.

 

From the summary of the very paper "Respondents aged 50–65 reporting high protein intake had a 75% increase in overall mortality and a 4-fold increase in cancer death risk during the following 18 years. These associations were either abolished or attenuated if the proteins were plant derived."

 

So incomplete proteins from a fibrous source mitigated the risk.  Okey dokey.

 

As far as complete protein-->cancer goes, I agree with the paper in that it's very likely GHR/IGF-1 related.  Gene-based therapy or other down-regulation of GHR will be beneficial for high-risk persons and those already diagnosed with cancer.  We already have multiple drugs which function along these lines.

 

So there's really nothing to see here, and as usual, shame on the herald for doing this whole sensationalist/confusing nutrition and health article.  Also known as a press release.

[Dinahlady]

 

So there's really nothing to see here

[atrollappears]

"We provide convincing evidence that a high-protein diet, particularly if the proteins are derived from animals, is nearly as bad as smoking," 

 

Apart from stating Bullshit... I'd rather live my life with an athletic musclar physique and die sooner, than live my life as a fat bastard and live longer...!!

[Pseudonym]

^ This!

...although the fatties do get to eat cake. Maybe if I have my high protein, PLUS dessert, I'll lead a long AND muscular life - the best of both worlds. Then I can literally have my cake and eat it.

[Riccardo]

I'm sorry at what point in the study did they make these mice smoke? Or am I missing something?

 

dietary studies performed on animals are completely pointless in my opinion. A rodents natural diet  doesn't consist of large amounts of protein and is mostly vegetarian. It doesn't surprise me that these animals force fed on animal protein became sick. The same mistake was made in the 70s feeding rabbits high fat diets to try and prove that fat causes cardiovascular disease. 

having said that, a diet excessively high in protein is not good for you and most people would do well to limit their consumption to 1.6-1.7g per kg of body weight. You should also avoid too much red, burnt, and bbq'd meat. 

[Gym rat]

I dont eat much red meat in my diet and get my protein from other sources of protein like eggs,tuna,milk,yoghurt,chicken,protein shakes.I also dont bother to pay much attenion to studies that are done on animals which are a complate waste of time in my opinion.

[Pseudonym]

I'm sorry at what point in the study did they make these mice smoke? Or am I missing something?

It's a little-known fact that many mice are also chain-smokers. It helps them deal with the stress of working in a lab all day if they can pop out for a ciggie-break now and then.

But seriously, that's an excellent point about testing animal proteins on vegetarian animals. It does seem patently stupid when you point it out.

 

[tyreguy]

Lol just slut journalism

[Leeroid]

Mice study http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(14)00065-5#Results