A new comprehensive scientific review, drawing on 361 studies and scientific references, has found growing evidence that reducing the amount of protein in the diet may help slow biological ageing.
اضافة اعلان
The research was conducted by molecular biologist Bailey Nopf and biomedical scientist Dudley Lamming of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States, and was published in Cell Press Blue.
The review examined the effect of protein on metabolism and life expectancy, and assessed a number of biological processes that may explain the link between protein consumption and ageing, according to a report on Sky News.
The researchers noted that the relationship between protein and health is more complex than it may first appear, particularly as many earlier studies have demonstrated the health benefits of protein.
Protein is an essential component for building muscle and repairing tissue. It can also help with weight control and is linked to healthy ageing, particularly by helping to preserve muscle mass as people get older.
However, the researchers argue that the amount of protein a person needs should be determined by their individual circumstances, rather than recommending that everyone reduce their intake.
In their paper, the two researchers wrote: "Despite widespread recommendations to increase protein intake with age, mounting evidence suggests that restricting dietary protein improves metabolic health, extends the years a person lives in good health, and may increase lifespan in a range of organisms."
They added: "This review offers a comprehensive view of current scientific knowledge on the benefits of restricting protein and amino acids for healthy ageing, and highlights the therapeutic potential of interventions based on these diets to extend healthy life years and lifespan."
The studies reviewed provided evidence that reducing dietary protein may help lower some forms of inflammation that accelerate biological ageing, as well as improve overall metabolic health. The researchers also stressed the importance of the link between exercise and protein intake.
People who exercise regularly and use their muscles intensively may benefit from eating larger amounts of protein.
Lamming said: "It is quite clear that protein offers benefits for muscle growth and the body's response to exercise in physically active people."
He added: "However, since most people lead largely sedentary lives, many are likely to consume more protein than they actually need, which could have negative health effects."
How could reducing protein slow ageing?
The review examined several possible biological explanations for the benefits associated with reducing dietary protein. The researchers identified several mechanisms that may help explain the link:
Shifting cell activity from growth to maintenance: Reducing protein may change the signals within cells, so that they focus more on maintenance and preserving their functions, rather than constantly prioritising growth. This shift may help cells maintain their functions as people age.
Limiting the build-up of senescent cells: Another possible mechanism is reducing the accumulation of senescent cells, which have stopped dividing but remain in tissues and may need to be cleared. Their build-up is associated with ageing and may contribute to the decline of tissue function over time.
Improving energy production within cells: Reducing protein may also help boost energy production inside cells, a process essential to maintaining their vital functions.
The researchers believe these changes may be part of the mechanisms that link protein restriction to better metabolic health and a slowing of some signs of ageing.
Preserving muscle mass becomes more important with age, which makes determining the right amount of protein a matter that requires individual assessment.
These studies, the researchers suggest, could help scientists better understand how diets can be adjusted to promote healthy ageing.
Source: Al-Ghad.
