25-year-old Meegan Hefford passed away after following a protein-heavy diet in 2017.
Her diet triggered an undiagnosed condition called urea cycle disorder.
Her mother, Michelle White, calls on the health industry to implement strict regulations over protein supplements and shakes that may have contributed to her daughter’s demise.
White said to Mirror UK: “Only certified nutritionists should offer advice on dieting, and I urge people to get medical checks before drastically changing their food intake.
“It’s too late for Meegan, but I hope by sharing her story she can save another family from this pain.”
When her death was first reported, it was said that she was following a high-protein diet that included supplements. She then suffered a fluid buildup in her brain that caused her death.
Her mother is now speaking out about the dangers of eating too much protein.
“Her meals were always the same,” White shared. “Chicken, red meat and egg whites, sometimes with steamed veggies on the side, and always a protein shake to wash it all down.”
But what Hefford didn’t know was that she had a rare condition that made it difficult or impossible for her body to process all the protein she was taking.
She suffered from an undiagnosed urea cycle disorder, a genetic condition caused by a deficiency in one of the six enzymes in the urea cycle.
“In healthy people, the liver supplies several enzymes to convert nitrogen into urea, a much less toxic substance which is then removed from the body in urine,” said Dr. Robert Glatter. “Those persons with a urea cycle disorder lack an enzyme that is required to convert nitrogen into urea.”
This means that there is no way for protein to exit the body properly, leading to excess ammonia in the bloodstream. In Hefford’s case, it caused a buildup of fluid in her brain.
According to a nutritional biochemist, Shawn Talbott, Ph. D., there are not really any drawbacks to eating lots of protein than needed. Problems usually arise from additives found in shakes or supplements.
Too much protein may not cause problems but if any worrying symptoms develop, it is best to consult your doctor.
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