Red meat (such as pork, lamb, and beef) is a favorite for many, but it can also bring health troubles. According to a recent report from the U.S. website "Daily Health," eating too much red meat may increase the risk of kidney failure. Consuming too much of this meat can lead to kidney failure.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore analyzed the relationship between the primary sources of protein in the diet and kidney function, involving a total of 63,257 adult Chinese participants. Of the red meat consumed by participants, pork accounted for 97%. Other protein foods included poultry, fish or shellfish, eggs, dairy products, soy, and legumes. After approximately 15.5 years of follow-up, the researchers found a significant association between red meat intake and an increased risk of kidney failure, which was also "dose-dependent." The group with the highest red meat intake had a 40% higher risk of kidney failure compared to the group with the lowest intake. Additionally, the study found no association between the intake of poultry, fish, eggs, or dairy products and kidney failure. Replacing red meat with other protein sources could reduce the risk of developing kidney failure by 62%. The researchers noted that kidney patients or healthy individuals need not throw the baby out with the bathwater and stop eating protein-containing foods altogether. Moderate consumption of red meat does not negatively affect health, and people can also substitute red meat with fish, shellfish, poultry, and plant-based protein sources.