Excessive protein intake, undiagnosed genetic disorder reportedly kills bodybuilder

Australian bodybuilder Meegan Hefford's family blames her death on an undiagnosed genetic disorder and excessive protein intake, according to Yahoo News.

Hefford died a few days after she was found unconscious in her apartment on July 19. Perth Now reported Hafford suffered from urea cycle disorder - a genetic disorder that hinders the body from removing ammonia from the bloodstream. Urea cycle disorder reportedly affects one in 8000 people.

Ammonia builds up in the body due to high protein intake and excessive diet and exercise. The bodybuilder's doctors believe the disorder prevented her from properly breaking down protein, which led to excessive amounts of ammonia.

Hefford's death certificate lists “intake of bodybuilding supplements” as one of the causes.

Michelle White, her mother told Perth Now that Meegan followed a strict diet of protein shakes and egg white and would visit the gym twice a day often. White is now calling for the diet industry to put more restrictions to save other lives.

Hefford leaves behind a seven-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter.