Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University professor John Carbone, Ph.D., has published a new article examining the impact of dietary protein on health across the lifespan. The article, titled “Exploring Opportunities to Better Characterize the Effects of Dietary Protein on Health across the Lifespan,” appears in Advances in Nutrition.

Carbone and his team discuss evidence that dietary protein is crucial in preventing chronic diseases and age-related decline, beyond its known effect on muscle health. "There has been an impressive variety of past research studies exploring the effects of dietary protein on muscle health," said Carbone. "With this paper, we make a case for building off of these past accomplishments and encourage investigations of protein's role in modulating important outcomes that affect health across the lifespan."

The research, supported by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS), suggests that while progress has been made in understanding dietary protein's role in muscle maintenance over three decades, future studies should focus on optimizing overall health throughout life. Carbone emphasizes shifting from identifying minimum protein requirements to determining optimal levels and types for comprehensive health benefits.

Experts highlight further research needs into how dietary protein affects blood pressure and plasma lipid levels through future dietary interventions. The issue of sarcopenia—declines in muscle mass, strength, and physical function with aging—raises questions about whether such declines are inevitable or can be mitigated by diet and physical activity.

As the field evolves to understand dietary protein's role in sustaining human health throughout life, past research achievements lay a foundation for innovative approaches and continued evidence-based public health policy guidance. Carbone states, "The goal here is to spur new research interests. Certainly, those could influence future nutrition-related interventions to mitigate frailty, osteoporosis, cardiometabolic dysfunction, and more."

For more information about the article or Eastern Michigan University’s offerings and accomplishments, visit their respective websites.