High protein diet for weight loss may backfire as it increases risk of heart failure

A high protein diet may increase risk of heart failure among middle-aged men, says this new study.

High protein diet have always enjoyed a lot of popularity among fitness conscious folk. Many people who are looking to shed some weight are recommended a high protein diet. But is it really healthy, asks a new study. According to this study, a high-protein diet could increase the risk of heart failure in middle-aged men.

Can a high protein diet lead to heart failure risk.(Shutterstock)

However, proteins from fish and eggs were not associated with heart failure risk in this study. “As many people seem to take the health benefits of high-protein diets for granted, it is important to make clear the possible risks and benefits of these diets,” said Jyrki Virtanen, study author.

Protein is found in foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products, seafood, beans, peas, and nuts, and it is considered essential for healthy bones, muscles, and skin.

Method for study

Researchers studied 2,441 men, age 42 to 60, at the study’s start and followed them for an average 22 years. Overall, researchers found 334 cases of heart failure were diagnosed during the study and 70% of the protein consumed was from animal sources and 27.7% from plant sources.

Higher intake of protein from most dietary sources was associated with slightly higher risk. Only proteins from fish and eggs were not associated with heart failure risk in this study, researchers said. Earlier, a high protein diet was said to have increased the risk of heart failure among older women. Before this a number of studies have said that high protein diet actually helps boost metabolism, help in muscle building and aid weight loss.

Conclusion of the study

It was found that the risk among middle-aged men was 33% higher for all sources of protein, 43% higher for animal protein, 49% higher for dairy protein and 17% higher for plant-based protein. So, what’s the ideal amount? Unfortunately, this topic still needs more research to ascertain that.

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