Scientists from Penn State University found that eating too much food containing sulfur amino acids – primarily found in proteins such as beef, chicken, and dairy – may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and death
The research was presented at Epidemiology and Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health conference and was conducted by Laila Al-Shaar et al.
Sulfur amino acids are essential for metabolism and overall health, but the average person in the United States consumes far more than needed.
In the study, the team analyzed data from 120,699 people in two long-term national studies.
Participants completed detailed health questionnaires, including questions about their diets, every two to four years.
The team found on average, participants ate more than twice the recommended daily amount of sulfur amino acids, mostly from beef, chicken, and milk.
Compared to those who ate the least, those who consumed the most sulfur amino acids had a 12% increased annual risk of developing heart disease and a 28% increased risk of dying from the condition over the 32-year study period.
Several animal studies in the past have shown that restricting these types of amino acids – notably methionine and cysteine – delayed the aging process and helped animals live longer, but translating those benefits to people has proven to be difficult.
The team says people can get their estimated average requirement of sulfur amino acids – 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day – through plant-based sources or fish.
For a 150-pound adult, for instance, that would mean 1 cup of tofu and 1 cup of lentils a day. It can be also met by consuming a 3-ounce fillet of tuna.
Since red meat has been found to be associated with worse health outcomes, it would be better to focus on healthier sources of proteins for meeting the average requirement of sulfur amino acids.
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