一项综合350多项研究的新综述提出，降低蛋白质摄入可能与更健康的衰老相关联[1]。综述指出，蛋白质限制可能改变身体能量利用方式、帮助细胞清除受损成分[1]。然而，支撑这一结论的最有说服力证据主要来自小鼠、大鼠、果蝇和酵母的实验室研究，而非人体试验[1]。
人体干预研究的局限性成为关键问题所在。此类研究通常仅持续数周，因此无法确定蛋白质限制对人类寿命的长期影响[1]。相比之下，地中海饮食拥有最强的健康衰老证据基础，但其蛋白质含量并不低[1]。基于现有证据的不确定性，研究者建议人们继续遵循现有蛋白质摄入建议——澳大利亚饮食指南建议每日能量的15-25%来自蛋白质——而非仅因这项综述改变饮食习惯[1]。
A new comprehensive review encompassing over 350 studies suggests that limiting protein consumption could be associated with healthier aging [1]. However, the strength of this evidence varies considerably depending on the type of research examined.
The most compelling findings come from laboratory experiments conducted on animals, including mice, rats, fruit flies, and yeast [1]. Researchers have observed that protein restriction may alter how the body utilizes energy and enable cells to remove damaged components more effectively [1]. Yet translating these laboratory discoveries into practical guidance for human health presents a significant challenge. Human intervention trials typically last only a few weeks, making it impossible to determine whether protein limitation would extend human lifespan or improve long-term health outcomes [1].
Current dietary guidance in Australia recommends that 15–25 percent of daily energy intake come from protein [1]. While the Mediterranean diet offers the strongest evidence base for healthy aging, it notably does not involve low protein consumption [1]. Given the current state of scientific understanding, experts recommend that people continue following existing protein intake recommendations rather than making dietary changes based solely on this review [1].
