Study suggests eating less protein could be key to healthy aging for most adults

Key Points:

• A major scientific review led by Dudley Lamming challenges the notion that higher protein intake is always beneficial, suggesting that eating less protein or certain amino acids may activate body processes linked to healthier aging and metabolism.
• The review analyzed over 350 studies across various species and found that reducing protein intake can increase the hormone FGF21, which promotes fat burning and may improve blood sugar control and metabolic health.
• While many Americans consume more protein than recommended (0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight), especially inactive individuals may not need extra protein, and physical activity might be more beneficial for health than simply increasing protein intake.
• Protein needs vary by individual factors such as age, activity level, pregnancy, and health status, with older adults and those recovering from illness requiring potentially higher intake to maintain muscle and strength.
• The review highlights that protein restriction is not the same as deficiency, and people should consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their protein consumption, as many studies were animal-based and may not fully translate to humans.