A statement of the american heart association nutrition committee on dietary protein and weight reduction: a rigorous rebuttal.

Results of several recent studies show that high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight loss diets indeed have their benefits. However, there are always some concerns about high-protein diets. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) Nutrition Committee, highprotein diets may possess significant health risks. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the scientific validity of AHA Nutrition CommitteeA s statement on dietary protein and weight reduction (St. Jeor ST et al. Circulation 2001;104:1869-1874). Simply stated, there is little if any scientific evidence supporting above mentioned statement. Certainly, such public warnings should be based on a thorough analysis of the scientific literature, not unsubstantiated fears and misrepresentations. For individuals with normal renal function, the risks are minimal and must be balanced against the real and established risk of continued obesity.