Excess proteins can plug the arteries.
Essential in the proper functioning of the body, proteins participate in immunity, transport of oxygen or digestion. Proteins are present in dairy products, eggs, fish, meats, cereals and legumes. For several years, hyperprotein diets and products (bars, yogurts, drinks …) have been acclaimed, both by athletes and those who seek to lose weight quickly. Global studies show that 85 % of the population consume an amount greater than the recommended nutritional intake and almost 25 % of the population even consume duplicate of the recommended contribution. But even if proteins are essential for health, consuming too much can also be a problem.
This warning was issued by the Montreal Cardiology Institute’s Prevention Observatory, in an article that warns against the risk of cardiovascular accidents (stroke) that proteins in the body could cause. The Institute is based on an American study of 2024 conducted on men, women and mice. The researchers analyzed the effect of certain amino acids, in particular leucine, very present in animal proteins such as meats, eggs and dairy products, on immune cells called “macrophages”. According to their results, leucine activates a biological signal (the MTOR complex) which promotes the formation of atherosclerosis plates that can plug the arteries. As a reminder, the obstruction of the arteries can lead to a stroke.
According to the researchers, the risk of artery obstruction increases when a meal is very rich in animal proteins (more than 25 g). In France, the average protein intake recommended by ANSES is, for an adult person without health problems, of the order of 0.8 g per kg per day, which corresponds to around 50 g for a person of 70 kg. Montreal researchers recommend that they do not exceed 1.4 to 1.5 g of protein per kilo of body weight per day, or about 100 g of protein per day for a 70 kg person.
The ideal is therefore to distribute its protein intake throughout the day (rather than having a meal with a lot of protein, followed by a protein -free meal). For example: a portion of 30 grams of cheese at breakfast, a chopped steak at lunch and a portion of coral lenses at dinner.
