Among people dieting to lose weight, those who eat more chicken and other poultry tend to lose less muscle than those who eat other protein sources, even when total protein intake is similar.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Whether poultry as a protein source leads to greater lean mass preservation during caloric restriction compared to other animal or plant proteins, independent of total protein intake.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing lean mass outcomes in adults undergoing caloric restriction while consuming 1.0 g/kg/day protein from poultry versus beef, fish, legumes, or dairy, with DXA-measured lean mass as the primary outcome.
Whether replacing other protein sources with poultry during caloric restriction leads to greater lean mass preservation, independent of total protein intake.
A double-blind RCT with 100 adults (BMI 25–40, aged 30–65) randomized to consume 1.0 g/kg/day protein from either poultry (chicken/turkey), red meat, fish, or plant-based sources, with identical total protein and energy intake, measuring lean mass via DXA at baseline and 6 months.
Whether individuals who consume more poultry during weight loss preserve more lean mass than those consuming other protein sources, adjusting for total protein and other dietary factors.
A prospective cohort study of 400 adults undergoing weight loss, measuring daily intake of poultry, red meat, fish, legumes, and dairy via food records, and lean mass via DXA at baseline and 6 months, adjusting for total protein, energy intake, and physical activity.
Whether higher poultry intake correlates with greater lean mass at a single time point during weight loss.
A cross-sectional analysis of 600 adults in a weight loss program, comparing lean mass via DXA between those consuming >50 g/day poultry versus <20 g/day at the 6-month mark.
Whether individual cases of high poultry intake coincide with preserved lean mass during weight loss.
A case series of 10 individuals who consumed >60 g/day poultry during weight loss and maintained lean mass, documenting protein sources and body composition changes.