A recent observational study suggests a link between consuming too much chicken and increased mortality rates, although some experts are skeptical of these findings.
Conducted in Italy, a cohort study revealed an association between the consumption of poultry and mortality rates, potentially prompting Americans to reconsider their intake of chicken.
Researchers from the Italian National Institute for Gastroenterology released this new study linking regular consumption of chicken to higher mortality rates. Published in the journal “Nutrients” on April 17, the study indicated that individuals who consumed over 300 grams of chicken per week had a 27% higher likelihood of dying from any cause compared to those consuming less than 100 grams per week.
During the observation period, researchers tracked mortality cases. Among the 1,028 deceased participants, white meat accounted for approximately 41% of their weekly meat consumption (of which 29% was poultry), with the remaining 59% being red meat. Statistical analysis was used to identify the correlation between consuming poultry and mortality rates, while controlling for factors such as age, gender, and health status.
The study revealed that participants who consumed 300 grams of poultry per week had a 2.27 times higher likelihood of dying from gastrointestinal cancer compared to those consuming less than 100 grams of poultry.
Furthermore, the study authors noted, “Our results indicated that the risk of males dying from (gastrointestinal cancer) was higher than females when consuming the same proportion of poultry.”
Cohort studies are longitudinal investigations that can be prospective or retrospective, focusing on specific populations with particular life experiences to determine their risk of developing a certain disease over a defined period.
Responding to this study, registered dietitian Lauren Manaker from South Carolina told Fox News Digital, “Chicken itself is not harmful to the body.”
“It’s a great source of essential nutrients, serving as an excellent source of quality protein. It also provides important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc, all of which contribute to overall health,” she said.
Not involved in the study, Manaker pointed out that this observational research suggests that consuming excessive amounts of chicken may have negative health consequences and potentially increase the risk of certain health conditions.
She added, “As with any food, moderation and balance are key in incorporating chicken into a healthy diet.”
Dr. Donald Hensrud, Director of the Healthy Living Program at Mayo Clinic, emphasized the importance of considering saturated fat content when selecting meat.
According to information on Mayo Clinic’s website, Hensrud stated, “Red meat typically has higher saturated fat content than poultry and white meat. Many studies suggest that red meat—especially processed meats—may pose a higher risk for heart disease than white meat.”
Hensrud recommended opting for plant-based proteins, lean meats (either white or red meat), and white meat over red meat, if possible.
In addition to not collecting information on the intake of different cuts of meat, processed poultry, or poultry preparation methods, researchers acknowledged other limitations, including the self-reported nature of participants’ dietary habits and the absence of data on participants’ exercise habits, which are crucial for overall health and preventing premature death.
Manaker also noted that the study did not examine the cooking methods for chicken, stating, “Cooking methods significantly impact the healthiness of dishes.” For example, fried foods “often have negative health consequences due to their high fat and calorie content.”
She advised, “It’s crucial to consider the overall dietary pattern rather than focusing solely on one type of ingredient.”
“A balanced diet, including plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat proteins, can more effectively promote long-term health,” she added.
Manaker stressed the importance of portion control, choosing nutritionally rich sides, and prioritizing a lifestyle that emphasizes overall health.
It’s important to note that observational studies cannot establish direct causation—these findings merely suggest a potential link between poultry consumption and premature death.
(Partial information in this article is based on reporting from Fox News)