When people with a condition called metabolic syndrome protein intake reducing it is associated with a decrease in body fat and weight. This helps to control the main symptoms such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure without losing muscle mass.
In a new study involving experts from University of Sao Paulo (USP) was investigated whether an isocaloric protein restriction beneficial effects in individuals with metabolic syndrome. The results were published in the journal Nutrients.
Nutrition of the participants monitored
In the research work, a total of 21 participants affected by the metabolic syndrome were examined over a period of 27 days. The metabolic syndrome is primarily characterized by obesity, elevated blood sugar levels and elevated cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.
The team’s main focus was on monitoring nutrition. During the entire study period, the participants were inpatients Hospital das Clínicas in Ribeirao Preto accommodated.
The experts calculated the daily intake of calories of all participants as a function of baseline metabolism (energy consumption at rest). Then the participants were divided into two groups.
How did the participants eat?
One group received the typical western standard diet, which was 50 percent carbohydrate, 20 percent protein, and 30 percent fat. However, the participants in this group took part overall 25 percent fewer calories up than they normally would have.
In the case of the people in the second group, on the other hand, only the protein intake on ten percent of their normal value reduced. Both groups consumed four grams of salt daily, the team said.
Participants lost body fat and weight
According to the experts, both the calorie and protein restriction groups showed that due to a Decrease in body fat on lost weight. In addition, the symptoms of the metabolic syndrome improved in both groups.
It was previously known that reducing body fat with a Lowering blood sugar levels and one Normalization of blood lipid levels and blood pressure connected, the researchers report.
In the current study, “ after 27 days of observation, both groups had similar results in terms of lower blood sugar, weight loss, controlled blood pressure, and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels ‘” emphasizes the author of the study Maria Cristina Foss de Freitas in a press release.
Participants did not lose muscle mass
The doctor adds that both forms of dietary restriction also Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced body fat and waist and hip measurements without losing muscle mass.
“ The study showed that reducing protein intake to 0.8 g per kg body weight is sufficient to achieve almost the same clinical results as caloric restriction, but without the need to reduce caloric intake ‘ summarizes the study author Rafael Ferraz Bannitz together.
Easier to implement protein restriction
Therefore, for people with metabolic syndrome, a diet that restricts protein intake could be a more attractive and easier to follow nutritional strategy pose to bring their discomfort under control, adds the expert.
In the study, the Manipulation of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) sufficient to ensure the beneficial effects of a dietary restriction to achieve.
Protein restriction reduces body fat and preserves muscle
“ We have shown that protein restriction reduces body fat while preserving muscle mass. This is important because weight loss on restrictive diets is often associated with loss of muscle mass “, explains Ferraz-Bannitz.
Molecular mechanisms unclear
the molecular mechanisms which could explain the beneficial effects of protein restriction, were identified in the current study not analyzed. However, the team hypothesizes that low protein intake triggers a change in metabolism or improves the body’s energy management.
“ So far we only have hypotheses. One is that molecular pathways are activated that interpret the reduction in essential amino acids as a signal to reduce food intake and lead to the production of hormones that normally increase during fasting ‘ reports the author of the study Marcelo Mori.
From studies in animal models, it is already known that such pathways are involved in the effects of protein and calorie restriction, both of which contribute to fat loss lead, adds the doctor.
Vegan Diet Beneficial in Metabolic Syndrome
However, the team points out that the diet of the participants in the study was personalized and only people with metabolic syndrome were examined, which limits the validity of the results.
“ Still, it’s tempting to extrapolate the results. We know that research has shown that a vegan diet has a positive effect on metabolic syndrome. It has also been found that the excessive protein intake common in standard western diets can be a problem “, like that mori.
However, it should be borne in mind that a lack of protein in nutrition too serious health problems can result, for example in pregnant women. A restriction of protein intake should therefore ideally be accompanied by a doctor. (as)