Association of Animal and Plant Protein Intake With All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality

Abstract

Defining what represents a macronutritionally balanced diet remains an open question and a high priority in nutrition research.^1,2 Quiz Ref ID In short-term randomized clinical trials, substitution of protein for carbohydrate has been shown to favor weight management, decrease blood pressure, and improve cardiometabolic biomarkers, including blood lipid and lipoprotein profiles and glycemic regulation.^3-5 These beneficial effects are partly dependent on weight loss and possibly owing to the enhanced postprandial satiety and energy expenditure when exchanging protein for carbohydrate.⁶ Therefore, high-protein and low-carbohydrate diets have been promoted for weight loss and health improvement. Although the amount and type of protein may have specific effects,⁷ such as insulinlike growth factor 1 levels,⁸ from a broader dietary perspective, the choice of protein sources will inevitably influence other components of diet, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals, that can in turn influence health outcomes. Therefore, taking into account food sources is critical to better understand the health effect of protein intake and fine-tune dietary recommendations.