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Population health data show most Australians are getting enough protein in their diet but are they getting the right type of protein?

The simple answer is no, according to Dr Anthony Villani, senior lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the Sunshine Coast, who cautions against heavy reliance on red and processed meat as well as excessive use of protein supplements.

“I wouldn’t recommend a protein supplement for the average healthy person who already has an adequate dietary protein intake because if you’re consuming these supplements in place of whole foods, you’re potentially missing out on other important nutrients,” he says.