Diets with reduced sulphur amino acids, occurring in protein-rich foods, such as meats, dairy, nuts and soy — are associated with a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a study published on Monday. Amino acids are termed as the building blocks of proteins. A subcategory, called sulfur amino acids, including methionine and cysteine, play various roles in metabolism and health.
John Richie, a professor at Pennsylvania State University in the US, said, “For decades, it has been understood that diets restricting sulphur amino acids were beneficial for longevity in animals,”
“This study provides the first epidemiologic evidence that excessive dietary intake of sulphur amino acids may be related to chronic disease outcomes in humans,” Richie said.
It found that participants who ate foods containing fewer sulphur amino acids tended to have a decreased risk for cardiometabolic disease based on their bloodwork.
Composite cardiometabolic disease risk has been compiled and a score was decided based on the levels of certain biomarkers in participants’ blood after a 10-16 hour fast including cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin.
“These biomarkers are indicative of an individual’s risk for disease, just as high cholesterol levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” Richie said.
“Many of these levels can be impacted by a person’s longer-term dietary habits leading up to the test,” he said.
The researchers concluded that high sulphur amino acid intake was associated with a higher composite cardiometabolic risk score after accounting for potential confounders like age, sex and history of diabetes and hypertension.
They also have found that high sulphur amino acid intake was associated with every type of food except grains, vegetables and fruit.
“People eating a lot of plant-based products like fruits and vegetables will consume lower amounts of sulphur amino acids. These results support some of the beneficial health effects observed in those who eat vegan or another plant-based diet.
The study evaluated dietary intake and cardiometabolic disease risk factors at one point in time, the association between increased sulphur amino acid intake, and risk for the cardiometabolic disease were strong.