High-protein cancer link
A high-protein diet can increase levels of hormones linked to cancer according to new research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This study showed that people who ate what was called a ‘low-protein’ diet (0.73 grams of protein per kg of body weight – which is just under the recommended daily amount of 0.75 grams), had significantly lower serum levels of growth factors and hormones linked to certain cancers than people consuming 1.23 grams – the amount of protein a standard Western diet, high in sugars, processed and refined grains and animal products, contains.
Fontana et al., 2006. Long-term low-protein, low-calorie diet and endurance exercise modulate metabolic factors associated with cancer risk. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 84 (6) 1456-1462.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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