High-protein diets, commonly known as the ‘Paleolithic diet’, have gained popularity. Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have used mouse models to examine their effects. While these diets are effective in weight control and managing diabetes, they come with potential risks. Excessive protein intake can lead to increased ammonium production, which can overwhelm the liver. This excess ammonium has the potential to cause neurological disorders and, in severe cases, result in a coma. Therefore, caution is advised when considering these diets.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is on the rise due to factors like a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in caloric content. The pancreas, which is affected by this condition, struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. While existing treatments can help manage diabetes, they do not offer a cure. Weight loss often plays a crucial role in the treatment process.
Professor Pierre Maechler, from the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, led the study exploring the effects of high-protein Paleolithic diets on weight control and diabetes management. These diets mimic the protein-rich diets of pre-agricultural times. The research aimed to investigate their impact on the body and assess their safety.
Effects on the Liver
Ammonium is a byproduct of protein breakdown, usually processed in the liver by the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). When the body faces a protein overload, the GDH enzyme faces increased pressure. In their study, Maechler’s team fed healthy mice and mice lacking the GDH enzyme a diet resembling the Paleolithic diet to observe the effects of high protein consumption.
The study revealed that while excess protein led to heightened ammonium production in healthy mice, the GDH enzyme helped the liver detoxify the excess effectively. Conversely, in mice without the GDH enzyme, the liver struggled to eliminate the surplus toxic ammonium generated from proteins. The consequences of this imbalance were noticeable within a few days of dietary changes.
Exercise Caution
The findings highlight that individuals with a malfunctioning GDH enzyme may face risks from high-protein diets due to a potential excess of ammonium. Unprocessed ammonium in the body can result in severe health issues, particularly neurological complications. Assessing GDH activity through a blood test can help prevent metabolic overload from protein consumption in individuals with an enzyme deficiency. Therefore, thorough research and consideration are crucial before opting for a high-protein diet, as emphasized by Pierre Maechler.
