Scientists have discovered potential heart health risks associated with high-protein diets, especially atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

The study, led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, found that excessive intake of protein, specifically consuming more than 22% of daily calories from protein, may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis. The mechanism was clarified.

Why too much protein is bad for your heart

The collaborative study, which integrates small-scale human trials with animal and cell studies, shows that the amino acid leucine, which is abundant in animal products such as beef, eggs and milk, plays a key role in promoting disease. It became clear.

Leucine has been identified to play a key role in the activation of immune cells that contribute to atherosclerotic plaque buildup, thereby increasing disease risk.

Babak Razani, MD, professor of cardiology at Pitt and lead author of the study, cautions against uncontrolled increases in protein intake in the pursuit of improved metabolic health. .

“Our research shows that increasing your protein intake in the pursuit of metabolic health is not a panacea; you may be doing significant damage to your arteries,” says Dr. Razani. says the doctor.

“Our hope is that this study will start a conversation about how to modify diet in precise ways that can affect body function at a molecular level and reduce disease risk.”

The study builds on Razani’s earlier work in 2020, which first showed a link between high protein levels and increased risk of atherosclerosis in mice.

From petri dish to person: Tracking the effects of proteins

Further research in collaboration with Bettina Mittendorfer, Ph.D., a metabolic expert at the University of Missouri-Columbia, aimed to understand the underlying mechanisms and their relevance to humans.

The study’s comprehensive approach, led by first authors Xiangyu Zhang, Ph.D., and Divya Kapur, M.D., Ph.D., Ph.D., along with Mittendorfer’s team, demonstrated the impact of amino acids on disease progression through detailed experiments across cellular, mouse, and human models. investigated.

“We have shown through mechanistic studies that amino acids, which are actually building blocks of proteins, can cause disease through specific signaling mechanisms and also alter the metabolism of these cells.” said Mittendorfer. “For example, small immune cells in the vasculature called macrophages can trigger the development of atherosclerosis.”

Their findings suggest that protein overconsumption interferes with the function of macrophages (immune cells important in removing cellular debris), leading to worsening of atherosclerotic conditions.

Find the protein “sweet spot” for optimal heart health

Interestingly, the study also touches on the potential benefits of “precision nutrition,” particularly in clinical settings to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease without sacrificing the benefits of protein, such as muscle maintenance and strength. suggests exploring individualized diets as a future means of achieving this goal.

Razani’s research prompts a re-evaluation of protein-rich diets, especially those high in leucine, and advocates a balanced nutritional approach that considers the overall impact on cardiovascular health.

The findings of this study highlight the need to further explore optimal protein intakes that maximize health benefits while minimizing risks, especially for individuals at risk for heart disease and related diseases.

Additionally, Professor Razani highlights the intriguing possibility that the differences in the cardiovascular effects of plant-based and animal-based proteins may be due to differences in leucine levels.

“It’s probably a mistake to blindly increase your protein intake,” Razani says. “Instead, it is important to look at the diet as a whole and suggest a balanced diet that does not inadvertently worsen cardiovascular disease, especially those at risk of heart disease and blood vessel disorders.”

Looking to the future: The future of dietary guidelines

In summary, this alarming study reveals a complex relationship between high dietary protein intake and increased risk of atherosclerosis and highlights the pivotal role of the amino acid leucine in this process. Masu.

Through a meticulous combination of small-scale human trials and mouse and cell experiments, this study questions the common notion that more protein leads to better health and improves cardiovascular health. promotes a subtle dietary strategy aimed at optimizing the

The findings highlight the importance of moderation and balance in protein intake and have the potential to tailor dietary recommendations to individual health needs and revolutionize the way we approach diet and disease prevention. This paves the way for future research in certain precision nutrition fields.

The entire study was published in the journal natural metabolism.

—–

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for fascinating articles, exclusive content and the latest updates.

—–

Check us out on EarthSnap, the free app from Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–