02/18/2026
A recent 2024 paper published in Nature Metabolism raised concerns that very high protein intake could activate immune pathways involved in plaque development.
Important context:
This was a mechanistic research study, using cellular, animal, and short-term feeding data. It did not measure long-term cardiovascular outcomes like heart attacks or strokes, and it does not establish cause and effect in free-living humans.
It also matters how protein was consumed.
The strongest signals of concern appeared with predominantly animal-based, leucine-heavy protein at very high intakes, not with mixed or plant-forward patterns.
Zooming out, large prospective human studies and systematic reviews show no consistent increase in cardiovascular events with higher protein intake overall, particularly when protein comes from lean, unprocessed, and plant-inclusive sources.
In my work with women in midlife, I often recommend protein intakes around 1.6 g/kg desired body weight, and sometimes up to 2.0 g/kg, paired with vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, and a variety of protein sources. This supports muscle, bone, metabolic health, and resilience during this life stage.
This isn’t about picking sides.
It’s about thinking critically.
Nutrition science evolves.
Women live in real bodies every day.
Be curious.
Be cautious of extremes.
And remember: you are not a headline.
If you’re 42, 46, 51 and trying to protect muscle, metabolism, and heart health — protein targets matter.
But headlines rarely tell the whole story.
I wrote a deeper breakdown explaining what this research actually showed, what it didn’t show, and how I calculate protein in clinical practice for women over 40.
You can read it here:
https://eatgrowlive.com/blog/protein-needs-after-40
Save this post for later, and if you have questions about your own protein intake, drop them below. If I see a common theme, I’ll turn it into a future post or short video.
