EP30: The Protein Craze: Is More Always Better?

Walk into any store, and you'll see protein bars, powders, and even protein popcorn. Social media is flooded with high-protein diet tips promising muscle gain and weight loss [1]. But is this just hype for "Gym Bros"? The science tells a different story. Protein is *crucial*, but maybe not for who you think. It’s a key player in healthy aging, fighting sarcopenia [3, 4], and even supporting modern weight-loss journeys [1, 2]. Let's separate the facts from the fad. References: Lenharo, M. (2025, August 28). Who should take protein supplements? Scientists weigh in. *Nature, 644*, 853. Schwander, B., Kerr, K. W., Williams, D., Sulo, S., & Butsch, W. S. (2025). Consequences of weight cycling in patients with obesity and the potential impact of high protein diet: a health economic assessment from a US societal perspective. *BMJ Open, 15*:e101058. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-101058 Nambi, G., Alghadier, M., Mohamed, S. H. P., Vellaiyan, A., Ebrahim, E. E., Sobeh, D. E., Aldhafian, O. R., Sirajudeen, M. S., Muthusamy, H., Unnikrishnan, R., Alshahrani, N. N., & Albarakati, A. J. A. (2025). Comparative effects of integrated physical training with a high protein diet versus a regular protein diet in post-COVID-19 older men with sarcopenia symptoms. *BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 8*:e001076. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2024-001076 Ishaq, I., Noreen, S., Aja, P. M., & Atoki, A. V. (2025). Role of protein intake in maintaining muscle mass composition among elderly females suffering from sarcopenia. *Frontiers in Nutrition, 12*:1547325. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1547325 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn