Mother calls for stricter regulation of fitness supplements after her 25-year-old daughter dies of too many "protein shakes"

One mother spoke of the potential dangers of training supplements and the need to regulate these products after her daughter's death after consuming too much protein in a healthy shake.

Meegan Hefford, 25, was pronounced brain-dead on June 22, 2017, three days after being found unconscious in his apartment in Mandurah, Western Australia.

According to her mother, Michelle White, the mother of two was obsessed with her physique and was training as a result of a postpartum depression she had had after the birth of her first child.

Hefford was training for a bodybuilding competition at his death.

However, the 25-year-old woman did not know that she was suffering from a urea cycle disorder, a genetic disorder that makes it difficult for the body to break down proteins. eventually causes an accumulation of ammonia in the blood.

"It was a genetic disease that prevented the body from removing harmful waste residues from digestion of protein in the shakes it consumed daily," said White. The mirror.

"It was a silent killer, and the endless loss of protein and dangerous diets was the fall of Meegan."

According to White, in addition to an intense training program, her daughter followed a diet designed for her by a personal trainer stuffed with protein and taking protein supplements in addition to her daily protein shake.

In the days leading up to Hefford's death, White recalls that her daughter complained of feeling lethargic and exhausted, although she did look fit on the outside. .

After agreeing to take a few days off training, White told the branch office that she had received a call that her daughter had been found unresponsive and had been taken to the hospital, where she had seen her. girl generally healthy and fit lying on a bed covered with threads ".

Today, two years after the unexpected death of her healthy daughter, whose organs were donated to four people in need, White urges the health sector to take the necessary precautions to sell and recommend supplements and diets.

"I want the health industry to implement regulations for the sale of protein powder and supplements," said White. "Only certified nutritionists should offer advice on dieting, and I urge people to undergo medical exams before drastically altering their food intake."

Earlier this year, an investigation into bodybuilding-inducing substances launched by the Australian Department of Health concluded that "if banned sports supplements had been monitored more rigorously", Hefford may have survived, The mirror reports.

In Hefford's death certificate, he mentions the disorder of the urea cycle and the "taking of bodybuilding supplements" as the two causes of death.

According to Harvard Medical School, protein powders can pose health risks, including the consumption of ingredients not approved by the FDA, digestive stress and high sugar consumption.

Kathy McManus, Registered Dietitian, Director of the Brigham and Women's Harvard Hospital Nutrition Department, said, "I do not recommend the use of protein powders except in a few cases, and only under surveillance. "