Lower Protein Intake Linked to Healthier Aging and Longevity
WHO:
News-Medical - Dudley Lamming, corresponding author, University of Wisconsin-Madison
ABC News - Dudley Lamming, pathologist and biomedical researcher
WHAT:
Forbes - The review published in Cell Press Blue found that nearly 100 grams is the average daily protein intake for American men, which is roughly twice the previously recommended limit before it was adjusted by the Trump administration.
News-Medical - A review covering over 350 papers on protein restriction and aging suggests that consuming less protein could have greater health benefits and may extend lifespan.
ABC News - The review examined more than 350 studies involving humans, mice, insects, yeast, and other organisms.
ABC News - A 2025 survey by the International Food Information Council found that 70% of U.S. adults said they "try" to eat protein.
ABC News - Adults who met exercise guidelines ate about 82 grams of protein a day, while those who did not meet the guidelines consumed about 79 grams a day.
WHERE:
News-Medical - The review was published in the journal Cell Press Blue.
WHEN:
News-Medical - The review was published on July 31.
ABC News - The 2025 survey by the International Food Information Council was conducted in that year.
WHY:
Forbes - Dudley Lamming stated, “Because most people are relatively sedentary, many people are likely consuming more protein than they actually need, which probably has negative health consequences.”
News-Medical - The authors describe how protein restriction slows aging by improving metabolism, changing how cells respond to nutrients, reducing cellular damage, and preserving healthy cell function.
ABC News - Eating less protein may support healthier aging and improve metabolism.
HOW:
Forbes - The review points out that amino acids within high-protein diets, such as ethionine, isoleucine, and valine, appear to activate growth pathways that raise risks of obesity, inflammation, and other age-related diseases.
News-Medical - Protein restriction raises levels of a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which can increase energy expenditure, improve blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation.
ABC News - Lamming noted that reducing protein intake promotes energy expenditure and increases thermogenesis in adipose tissue.
(UPDATED August 1, 2026 16:20 UTC)
A recent review published in Cell Press Blue found that American men are averaging nearly 100 grams of protein intake daily, which is about double the previously recommended limit that was adjusted during the Trump administration. Dudley Lamming noted that since many people lead relatively sedentary lifestyles, they may be consuming more protein than necessary, potentially leading to negative health consequences. The review highlights that certain amino acids found in high-protein diets, like ethionine, isoleucine, and valine, may activate growth pathways that increase the risks of obesity, inflammation, and other age-related diseases.
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(UPDATED August 1, 2026 13:25 UTC)
A new review published in the journal Cell Press Blue suggests that consuming less protein could offer significant health benefits and may even extend lifespan, based on an analysis of over 350 studies involving various organisms. The authors, including pathologist Dudley Lamming from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explain that protein restriction can enhance metabolism, reduce cellular damage, and promote healthier aging by increasing levels of a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21, which boosts energy expenditure and improves blood sugar control. Interestingly, a recent survey found that 70% of U.S. adults try to eat protein, with those meeting exercise guidelines consuming about 82 grams daily, while those who do not meet the guidelines consume slightly less at about 79 grams.