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# Animal Protein Linked to Early Death
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/animal_protein_early_death_0306140714/
- Published: 2014-03-06T08:13:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:06:31.000Z
- Description: Among 6,381 US adults aged 50 and older followed 18 years, those eating the most animal protein had a 5-fold higher risk of diabetes-related death. Under-65s in that group had a 74% higher all-cause death risk and 4-fold cancer death risk. Plant protein showed diminished or absent risks.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Eating a diet high in animal protein leads to an earlier death, compared with people who consume less, according to a new study analyzing data from 6,381 American adults aged 50 and older. Participants who ate the most animal protein had a 5-fold increase risk of death related to diabetes. Those younger than 65 who ate the most animal protein had a 74 percent increase risk for death from any cause and a 4-fold increase in death related to cancer, during a follow-up of 18 years. Risks for death were diminished or absent when protein sources were plant-derived.

Levine ME, Suarez JA, Brandhorst S, et al. Low protein intake is associated with a major reduction in IGF-1, cancer, and overall mortality in the 65 and younger but not older population. *Cell Metab*. 2014; 19:407-417.