High-protein diets, often called “Paleolithic diets” or “Paleo diets,” are popular for helping people lose weight and control type 2 diabetes.
These diets are based on the idea of eating like early humans, with a focus on meat and other protein-rich foods.
But new research from scientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) suggests that these diets may not be completely safe, especially for people with certain health issues.
The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, used mouse models to look at how high-protein diets affect the body.
The researchers found that while these diets can help with weight loss and stabilizing blood sugar, they may also cause harmful side effects. One major concern is the buildup of ammonium, a waste product created when the body breaks down protein.
Under normal conditions, ammonium is removed from the body by the liver using an enzyme called glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). But if someone eats too much protein, their body can produce more ammonium than the liver can handle.
This puts stress on the liver and can lead to a dangerous buildup of ammonium in the blood. In severe cases, this can cause neurological problems and even lead to coma.
To understand this better, the researchers fed high-protein diets to two groups of mice: one group had a normal GDH enzyme, and the other group had a liver that could not produce the enzyme.
In the healthy mice, the liver was able to cope with the extra ammonium thanks to GDH. But in the mice without GDH, the liver couldn’t manage the excess ammonium, and serious health problems appeared after just a few days.
Karolina Luczkowska, the study’s lead author, explained that even short-term high-protein diets can be harmful if the liver’s GDH enzyme isn’t working properly. This means that not everyone may be able to safely follow a high-protein diet, especially if they have hidden metabolic issues.
The findings suggest that a simple blood test could help determine if someone has a GDH deficiency. This would allow doctors and nutritionists to advise whether a high-protein diet is safe for that individual.
Pierre Maechler, who led the study, emphasized the importance of being cautious before starting a high-protein diet. While these diets may help manage diabetes and weight, they are not risk-free. Understanding how your body processes protein is crucial to avoiding potential harm.
In short, high-protein diets can be effective, but they may also carry hidden dangers. Anyone considering this kind of diet should consult a healthcare provider and consider testing their liver function to avoid unexpected health risks.
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The study is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
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