Does eating animal protein cause heart disease?

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  A Dr. Michael Greger, MD , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

  

  The concern about eating meat used to focus on fat and cholesterol, but another factor is carnitine, which we ingest with animal proteins. Watch nutrition specialist Michael Greger, MD, explain how carnitine can increase the risk of heart disease.
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  A Brian Tanzer , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

  Animal protein does not in itself cause heart disease. However, consuming excess animal protein can increase the risk for heart disease because of its high saturated fat content. The other reason is that animal protein tends to be higher in sulfur containing amino acids such as methionine. Methionine is metabolized to homocysteine, which, if a person is not getting adequate folic acid, B12 and B6 in their diet could tend to accumulate to higher than normal levels. High levels of homocysteine may be a moderate risk factor for heart disease. The key is moderation. Animal protein is perfectly safe in moderation, but consumed in conjunction with plenty of plant proteins, vegetables and fruits. A balanced diet, as always, is the key to reducing one's risk for heart disease.

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  A Dr. Michael T. Murray, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

  

  A high intake of animal protein is linked to heart disease, many cancers, high blood pressure, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. Heart disease and high blood pressure are associated with increased intake of animal fats as well as animal protein. Cancer can be caused by proteins that are altered in some cooking processes, such as grilling and blackening, and by the action of gut bacteria on undigested protein. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating the breakdown products of protein, too much of which can have a damaging effect. A high-protein diet increases the excretion of calcium in the urine. Simply raising the intake of protein from 47 grams per day to 142 grams per day doubles the excretion of calcium in the urine. A diet this high in protein, common in the U.S., is a significant factor in the increased number of people suffering from osteoporosis and kidney stones in this country. A vegetarian diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing these diseases.

  

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  A dotFIT answered

  The simple answer is no, eating animal protein does not cause heart disease. Can it contribute to it? Certainly. Animal protein tends to be higher in saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fat tends to be associated with higher total blood cholesterol/lipids, specifically LDL (the bad one). Higher total and LDL cholesterol levels are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Consuming less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat and replacing them with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fats (like those found in non-hydrogenated vegetable oils and olives and nuts) is associated with low blood cholesterol levels, and therefore a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (Dietary Guidelines for American 2010 http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf) . However, animal proteins are rich in many nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron and zinc and play an important role in meeting the body’s nutrient needs.
  
  The impact of animal protein is probably part of a larger-picture lifestyle. Keeping a balance of calories eaten and calories burned through activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. The evidence is much stronger that being overweight is harmful to your health and is linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease.
  
  Whether you do or do not eat animal protein is a personal choice. Eating lean meats in a diet composed of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and the right calorie intake coupled with regular physical activity is likely a small risk. However, most Americans do not get regular physical activity and consume a diet far from what would be considered healthy. In this scenario, then risk factors are allowed to exert their influence to a greater degree.
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