Dr. McDougall's Health & Medical Center

 
 August  2002    Vol. 1   No.8 <<<Home
 

I wrote the editor

Misinformation on plant proteins from McDougall?

Thursday, July 11, 2002

To the Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association

Dear Sirs:

The June 25, 2002 issue of the journal Circulation (105:197) printed a letter of mine in which I corrected a statement made by the Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association (Circulation 104:1869-74, 2001).   This report states, “Although plant proteins form a large part of the human diet, most are deficient in 1 or more essential amino acids and are therefore regarded as incomplete proteins.”  This statement is not correct, as I have clearly shown in my letter.

Accompanying my letter was a response from Barbara Howard, PhD, who I assume represents the Nutrition Committee.  Her letter was confusing and undocumented by a single scientific citation.  However, rather than admit the Committee’s report was in error, she reaffirmed their previous position by writing “…we did carefully state that ‘most’ are deficient in one or more essential amino acids…”

Failure to resolve the truth about the adequacy of plant proteins threatens the health of millions of people seeking better guidance for proper nutrition; therefore, my efforts will not be dismissed with a careless response from the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association.  Please grant me the courtesy of a professional and honest answer by either:

1)  Showing me that I am incorrect by citing scientific research that contradicts my position and the studies I have provided.  These scientific papers accompanying my letter represent the original experiments performed to determine human protein needs.  I will not accept someone else’s professional opinion on this issue – because, as you know, even the “best experts” can be wrong.  Show me the basic research -- as I have done for you.

2) Admitting the article by the Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association contains incorrect information concerning the adequacy of plant proteins (Circulation 104:1869-74, 2001).  And giving this matter the serious, open attention it deserves.

I expect this to be handled in a timely, professional, and public manner.  You owe it to society and to your readers.  I will not let this matter rest – and if I get another response that suggests disinterest and confusion about the subject, or worse yet, possibly an attempt to avoid admitting an important error in basic science, I will take this matter elsewhere for a public hearing.

Sincerely,

John McDougall, MD

drmcdougall@drmcdougall.com

©2002 John McDougall All Rights Reserved