What if consuming less protein helped increase our life expectancy ? If the answer depends on several factors, an American study suggests that one of the molecules responsible for the constitution of the protein would reduce longevity.
In total, 20 amino acids are essential to the human body for the synthesis, therefore the creation, of protein. These molecules, which are not naturally in the body, are contained in food. Among them is l’isoleucine.
Mainly involved in muscle tissues, this amino acid helps in their repair. It is therefore essential as a nutrient essential for great athleteshelping them recover more easily and improve their performance. However, it also turns out to be harmful to health in many aspects.
Life expectancy, reduction of cancers, weight loss…
The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Wisconsin (United States) and published in the journal Cell Metabolism in November 2023, is based on three groups of mice on diets including different levels of isoleucine. On average, mice deprived of this amino acid saw their life expectancy increased by 33% in males and 7% in females.
In addition to these results, research has demonstrated that privation d’isoleucine was beneficial to health in many other aspects. weight loss, blood sugar controlreduction in the risk of cancer… In total, 26 health indicators were improved.
A nutrient found in protein foods
While isoleucine is not the same thing as protein, the two are extremely related, with the former allowing the synthesis of the latter. Moreover, the study recalls that “the low protein diets promote health and longevity in diverse species.”
Isoleucine is present in protein foods of animal origin such as meats and fish, dairy products and eggs. It is also found in rice, chickpeas or even almonds.
Yes thehumans need proteinit therefore seems that regulating its consumption is beneficial to us. The study suggests that it would be interesting to reduce or block isoleucine consumption, via potential medications. More studies are needed to explore the issue further.
