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You don't need as much protein as you think, study suggests
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- A new study reviewing over 350 papers suggests that eating less protein could offer greater health benefits for many people, particularly those who are sedentary.
- While protein is essential for muscle growth and exercise response in active individuals, most sedentary people may consume more protein than necessary, potentially leading to negative health effects.
- Reducing protein intake has been linked to weight loss, decreased fat mass, and improved fasting blood sugar, whereas excessive consumption of certain amino acids may increase risks of obesity, inflammation, and age-related diseases.
- For older adults, higher protein intake combined with exercise can help reduce age-related muscle loss and promote weight loss, indicating the importance of physical activity in protein metabolism.
- Researchers emphasize the need to personalize protein recommendations based on both age and physical activity levels rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
