Reduce Protein to Live Longer? Nutrition Experts Say That's a Bad Idea

Recent research has suggested that reducing protein intake could increase human longevity, but nutrition experts strongly caution against this approach. Adequate protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone strength, immune function, and metabolic health—particularly as people age. Drastically cutting protein could lead to muscle wasting, increased fracture risk, weakened immunity, and nutritional deficiencies. Experts recommend consulting healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes, as balanced protein intake remains crucial for overall health and quality of life.

Originally published on
STAT News
By Lauren Chan
Read full article(opens in new tab)Fetched: August 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM



