Protein and Puberty

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM · November 22, 2010 · Volume 4

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The type of protein young children eat at a critical age may affect when they start puberty.

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Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

What’s the big deal about what kids eat? Well for one thing, the type of protein children eat, particularly at preschool age (five to six years old, the critical window), appears to determine when they start puberty.

Kids eating lots of animal protein at that age—meat, eggs, and dairy—prematurely start puberty a year earlier than those eating lots of plant protein. An entire year earlier.

Why do we care? Cancer and mortality. Earlier puberty means, on average, a shorter lifespan.

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A. L. B. Gunther, N. Karaolis-Danckert, A. Kroke, T. Remer, and A. E. Buyken. Dietary protein intake throughout childhood is associated with the timing of puberty. J. Nutr., 140(3):565 -571,2010.

Doctor's Note

For more on animal protein and health during adolescence, check out these videos:
Saving Lives By Treating Acne With Diet
Protein, Puberty, and Pollutants
Formula for Childhood Obesity

And check out my other videos on puberty.

Also, be sure to check out my associated blog posts: Eating To Extend Our Lifespan; Why Are Children Starting Puberty Earlier? and Cow’s Milk Casomorphin, Crib Death, and Autism.

If you haven’t yet, you can subscribe to my videos for free by clicking here.

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