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The devastated family of a West Australian fitness model have warned about the dangers of protein supplements after they contributed to the young mother’s death.

Meegan Hefford, a 25-year-old mother-of two, was found unconscious in her Mandurah apartment and was pronounced dead days later.
Ms Hefford, who had been competing as a bodybuilder since 2014, was on a diet of protein shakes and eating protein-rich foods including lean meat and egg whites.
She was a body builder studying paramedicine and a mother to a seven-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son.
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Ms Hefford had been competing in bodybuilding tournaments since 2014. Source: InstagramShe was preparing for another bodybuilding competition but her mother, Michelle White, said Ms Hefford was having “way too much protein”.
Following her death, it was discovered Ms Hefford had a rare genetic disorder, which stopped her body from breaking down protein properly.


Urea Cycle Disorder affects one in 8000 people and caused a build up of ammonia in Ms Hefford’s blood and accumulation of fluid in her brain.
"There was just no way of knowing she had it because they don't routinely test for it,” Ms White said.
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The 25-year-old had complained of feeling lethargic in the weeks before her death. Source: Instagram"There's medical advice on the back of all the supplements to seek out a doctor but how many young people actually do?"
Ms White didn’t realise her daughter was on protein supplements until after her death when she found containers in her kitchen along with a diet plan.


The Australian Medical Association says for the vast majority of people these supplements aren't necessary, and there's no real health benefit, but for most they're not dangerous either.
Doctors say a balanced diet is all you need.
Ms White hopes her daughter’s story will serve as a warning, and help save many more.
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Ms Hefford's mother says protein supplements need to be regulated better. Source: InstagramShe is now calling on protein supplements to be more regulated.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/wa/a/3670...effords-death-blamed-on-protein-shakes/#page1
 
Sensationalist headline...she had a few tubs of protein powder and other supplements in her cupboard so they must be a leading cause of her death?
How much did she actually have per day?
Her mum says she was "having way too much protein"...does she have any idea how much a competitive bodybuilder actually needs to consume?
Would she still have died with her condition if she consumed the same amount of protein per day from whole foods rather than supplements?

Sure a balanced diet is the healthy option but there is very little that is actually healthy in someone that regularly competes. If you're competing in anything, you should probably be aware of all the risks you're taking and the stress/strain you're continually placing on your body.

Sad story for the kids, losing their mum at such a young age, but the supplements aren't to blame here.
 
Supplements are good for your health but if you start taking too much they will not give you benefits rather they will prove harmful to your body. Excessive intake of supplements can cause serious diseases.
As someone said: “Excess of everything is bad”
 
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