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Ammon News - Ahmad Alhyari- Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of high-protein diets on cardiovascular health. Their study, published in Nature Metabolism, indicates that consuming more than 20% of daily calories from protein may activate cells that contribute to arterial plaque buildup. This plaque can impair blood flow, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

The research involved small human trials, as well as experiments with mice and cell cultures. It found that high protein intake led to increased levels of certain amino acids and immune system activators, which in turn heightened inflammation and potentially worsened arterial plaques.

Dr. Babak Razani, the study's lead author and a cardiologist, cautioned against viewing increased protein consumption as a universal solution for a healthy diet. Instead, he emphasized the importance of a balanced diet that includes adequate carbohydrates, fats, and essential nutrients.

Current dietary guidelines recommend about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day for Americans. For instance, this translates to approximately 71 grams per day for a 199-pound man, which accounts for about 12% of daily calories. However, popular high-protein diets often advocate much higher intake levels, potentially exceeding 20% or more of total calories.

The study's findings suggest that excessive protein consumption can activate immune cells known as macrophages, leading to the accumulation of these cells in artery walls over time, exacerbating plaque formation. This was observed both in human subjects after high-protein meals and in mice fed high-protein diets.

While the study underscores potential risks associated with high-protein diets, experts caution that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. They recommend moderation in protein intake as part of a balanced diet, particularly for individuals at risk of heart disease or vascular disorders.