The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

The Protein Debate: Dr. Layman Reacts to Dr. Gardner's claims on The Huberman Lab

28 snips
Aug 19, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Donald Layman, a trailblazer in protein research and mentor to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, tackles prevalent protein myths. He critiques the nitrogen balance studies and the outdated Recommended Dietary Allowance, arguing for a personalized approach to protein intake. Layman emphasizes that a grain-based diet may lead to deficiencies and stresses the importance of protein for overall health, especially for those over 40. This conversation provides clarity on protein's role in metabolism and why many Americans may not be consuming enough.
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INSIGHT

Nitrogen Balance Is Misleading

  • Nitrogen balance methods overestimate intake and underestimate losses, making historical RDA estimates unreliable.
  • Donald Layman argues the 0.66 g/kg breakpoint and its use as a deficiency marker is a gross extrapolation.
INSIGHT

RDA Is A Minimum Safety Floor

  • The RDA uses two standard deviations above the estimated average to protect nearly everyone from negative nitrogen balance.
  • Layman and guests caution that nitrogen balance ≠ clear health outcomes, so the RDA is a minimal safety floor only.
INSIGHT

Short Studies Don't Define Lifelong Needs

  • Short-term nitrogen balance studies used young, high-quality-protein-fed men and don't generalize to long-term adult health.
  • Extrapolating short-term nitrogen balance to lifelong deficiency or optimal intake is unjustified.
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