Living longer could hinge on one surprising dietary change, study review suggests

Eating less protein, not cutting calories, may be an easier path to a longer, healthier life for sedentary adults, according to a new scientific review.

While previous research has long tied calorie restriction to improved lifespan and lower rates of age-related disease, studies have found that many people have difficulty maintaining strict low-calorie diets.

A review of more than 350 studies published in the journal Cell Press Blue suggests that targeted protein restriction can deliver similar metabolic benefits without the need to cut calories.

Longer-term human studies are still needed to determine whether these metabolic benefits ultimately translate into increased lifespan, they noted.

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The review emphasizes that protein needs are not one-size-fits-all, and that the findings should not be interpreted as a recommendation to consume inadequate amounts.

Physically active people and athletes process protein differently. Exercise helps to direct dietary amino acids toward building and repairing muscle instead of leaving excess amino acids to be processed by the body, the researchers noted.

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High protein intake is also crucial for pregnant women and older adults who may face age-related muscle loss.

For the broader, largely inactive population, the findings suggest that public health guidelines should move away from sweeping recommendations and instead tailor protein targets to a person’s age and activity level.