Recent research from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) underscores potential neurological risks associated with high-protein diets, despite their benefits in weight control and diabetes management. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, warns that excessive protein intake can lead to elevated ammonium levels, potentially causing severe neurological disorders, including coma.
High-Protein Diets and Health Trends:
High-protein diets, often known as Paleolithic diets, have become increasingly popular for stabilizing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight regulation. Inspired by pre-agricultural diets rich in animal and plant proteins, these diets are designed to mimic ancestral eating habits.
Liver Function and Ammonium Production:
Protein breakdown generates ammonium, a byproduct processed by the liver using the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Under normal conditions, the liver efficiently detoxifies ammonium. However, excessive protein intake can overwhelm this process, leading to elevated ammonium levels.
Research Findings:
Experimental Setup: Researchers fed mice diets mimicking high-protein Paleolithic diets to study the effects on ammonium metabolism.
Healthy Mice: In healthy mice, the GDH enzyme effectively managed excess ammonium, preventing harm.
Mice without GDH Enzyme: Mice lacking the GDH enzyme experienced severe consequences within days of being fed the high-protein diet, demonstrating neurological symptoms due to unprocessed ammonium.
Implications for Human Health:
Cautionary Advice: The study advises caution for individuals considering high-protein diets, particularly those with potential GDH enzyme deficiencies.
Medical Monitoring: Individuals with compromised GDH activity should consider medical monitoring and potentially undergo blood tests to assess enzyme function before adopting high-protein diets.
Conclusion:
While high-protein diets offer metabolic benefits, including weight management and diabetes control, the research highlights the critical importance of liver function in processing dietary proteins. Understanding the risks associated with ammonium accumulation underscores the need for informed dietary choices and medical supervision, especially for vulnerable populations.