While red meat is a rich source of protein, iron and other nutrients, a recent study has linked it to an increased risk of dementia, but some doctors question this claim.
Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham General found that daily consumption of certain amounts of Processed red meat 13% increased risk of dementia, according to a press release.
It was also associated with a 14% increased risk of subjective cognitive decline and faster brain aging.
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“The results didn't really surprise us,” lead study author Yohan Li, a researcher from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, told Fox News Digital.
Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mass General Brigham found that daily consumption of certain amounts of processed red meat increases the risk of dementia, but some doctors question that. (Istock)
“The results are generally consistent with our hypothesis, showing that a higher intake of red meat, especially processed red meat, is associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.”
The increased risk was seen in people who ate at least a quarter of a serving of unprocessed meat daily, according to the research article. This is equivalent to about one hot dog, two slices of bacon, or one and a half slices of bologna.
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The researchers also suggested that replacing one serving of processed red meat daily with a serving of nuts and legumes could reduce the risk of dementia by 19%, and that replacing it with fish could reduce the risk by 28%.
The study included 133,771 individuals, 11,173 of whom were diagnosed with dementia over four decades. The data came from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), which tracked participants' dietary choices and Health condition.
The increased risk was seen in people who ate at least a quarter of a serving of unprocessed meat per day, which is equivalent to two slices of bacon, one hot dog, or one-and-a-half slices of bologna. (Istock)
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published January 15 in the journal Neurology.
The findings were first presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) earlier in 2024.
Experts react to the findings
“There are many reasons to believe that eating a lot of red meat is linked to dementia,” Dr. Mark Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and chief medical analyst at Fox News, told Fox News Digital.
“In the case of processed meats like bacon, the added chemicals may also lead to dementia via inflammation and neuroinflammation,” added Siegel, who was not involved in the new research.
The researchers suggested that replacing one serving of processed red meat daily with a serving of nuts and legumes could reduce the risk of dementia by 19%. (Istock)
The doctor also warned of the possibility that red meat could lead to: Overweight and obesityWhich can cause inflammation and thus increase the risk of dementia.
“Red meat may also lead to heart disease, which increases the risk of dementia,” Siegel noted.
Theresa Gentile, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in New York, noted that previous research has found a relationship between red meat — especially processed red meat — and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Cardiovascular diseasesBoth are linked to poor cognitive health.
“There is no single food or ingredient proven to cause, increase the risk of, prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.”
“This was a large study conducted over a long period of time and adjusted for confounding factors, however it found that in three different groups, eating more processed red meat was associated with cognitive decline compared to eating less.” In the study, Fox News Digital said.
Some experts have suggested that the risk is more related to ultra-processed foods in general rather than specific meats.
One of the researchers (not pictured) said: “The results are generally consistent with our hypothesis, showing that a higher intake of red meat, especially processed red meat, is associated with an increased risk of dementia and poor cognition.” (Istock)
A number of studies have indicated that diets containing more ultra-processed foods are harmful to brain health, noted Dr. Heather Snyder, senior vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago.
“For example, a report at AAIC 2022 found that people who eat higher amounts of ultra-processed foods have faster cognitive decline,” Snyder, who was not involved in the new study, told Fox News Digital.
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“More than 20% daily consumption of ultra-processed foods resulted in a 28% faster decline in global cognitive outcomes, including memory and verbal fluency.”
It is “unlikely” that a single food will have “a significant beneficial or harmful effect on a complex disease like Alzheimer's,” according to Snyder.
“There is no single food or ingredient that has, through rigorous scientific research, been shown to cause, increase the risk of, prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia,” she said.
Potential limitations of the study
Siegel noted that the study was observational, which means “no strict conclusions can be drawn.”
“We still need randomized, double-blind trials to draw more definitive conclusions,” he said.
One expert stated that it was “unlikely” that a single food would have “a significant beneficial or harmful effect on a complex disease such as Alzheimer's.” (Istock)
Lead study author Johan also acknowledged potential limitations.
“The Nurses' Health Study enrolled registered nurses, and the Health Professionals Follow-up study enrolled American male health professionals,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“These participants tended to have higher educational and income levels, and thus the generalizability of the study may be limited. Additionally, since this study is an observational study, residual confounding remains a potential possibility.”
Dr. Ken Perry, family physician and Diabetologist In Tennessee, he was not involved in the study but shared his thoughts on “user health bias” that could skew the results.
“The people who ate the least amount of processed meat and the least amount of red meat in these studies also exercised daily,” one doctor noted when talking about the research. (Istock)
“The people who ate the least amount of processed meat and the least amount of red meat in these studies were exercising every day,” he said in a video clip he posted on his YouTube channel last week.
“They didn't smoke at all. They didn't drink too much. They were doing their best to live a healthy life.”
“We still need randomized, double-blind trials to draw more definitive conclusions.”
Berry noted that research has shown that exercising regularly and eating whole, unprocessed foods can reduce the risk of dementia.
“I don't think any nutritionist would argue with that,” he added, but added that there was “no evidence at all” that red meat was linked to a higher risk of dementia.
Healthy eating tips
Gentile recommended limiting servings of processed red meat such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats to less than a quarter serving per day, and considering Healthy protein alternatives Such as fish, nuts, legumes and chicken.
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“A balanced diet with moderation in terms of protein sources and serving size is key,” Gentile said. “If your diet is high in processed red meat, try replacing one of these servings with beans, fish or chicken.”
One registered dietitian recommended limiting servings of processed red meat and considering protein alternatives such as fish, nuts, legumes and chicken. (Istock)
The dietitian also suggested including it Foods that boost the brain Every day, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
Snyder noted that the Alzheimer's Association has long encouraged eating a balanced diet to help prevent Alzheimer's and all other types of dementia.
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“This includes foods that are less processed to ensure our bodies get the necessary nutrients, because they are associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline,” she told Fox News Digital.
“As research continues, we may discover other dietary patterns that increase or decrease our risk.”
Perry noted that although he describes himself as a “carnivore,” he's not exactly “anti-vegetarian.”
“I am a supporter of A Proper diet for humans“, which range from low-carb with veggies, berries, and nuts, to keto with a few berries, vegetables, and nuts, to keto with a few veggies for flavor and garnish, all the way to carnivore.” video.
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The best diet for any individual should depend on multiple factors, including overall metabolic health, age, weight, genetics and gut microbiome, he said.
“This is the appropriate diet for humans,” Berry added.
