Research
Adherence
In adults over 66 years, high protein intake is associated with reduced all-cause and cancer mortality compared to low protein intake, likely to prevent sarcopenia and frailty.
If you are over 66, ensure you are getting adequate protein. Low protein intake in this age group is linked to higher death rates, likely due to muscle loss and frailty. Focus on high-quality protein sources.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
However, among those aged 66 years and older, the HP diet was associated with the opposite effect on all-cause and cancer-related mortality... Compared to those in the LP group, the participants in the HP and MP groups exhibited a 28% and 21% reduction in all-cause mortality, respectively.
Why this rating
Large nationally representative study (6381 individuals).
Source
The impact of dietary protein intake on longevity and metabolic health
Munehiro Kitada et al. · EBioMedicine · 2019
DOI 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.04.005
narrative_reviewCited 167×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- A low-protein/high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet or specific restriction of methionine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) extends longevity and improves metabolic health in model organisms and middle-aged humans by suppressing mTORC1 and GH/IGF-1 signaling while promoting autophagy and FGF21 production.Good
- High intake of animal protein, particularly red and processed meat, is associated with increased all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged adults, whereas plant protein is protective.Good
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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