Excessive protein intake: Potential health risks examined
Excessive Protein Consumption: A Potential Risk for Some
Consuming overly high amounts of protein, like with any nutrient, is a possibility. However, the risk is particularly elevated for a specific group: individuals with kidney disorders.
Roxanne Papineau, a nephrology nutritionist at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, acknowledged this, stating, "After two decades in this field, yes, we observe the consequences of excessive protein intake. They can be subtle and insidious."
The digestion of proteins results in the production of waste products, such as urea, uric acid, and phosphate. These waste products are filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
Individuals with kidney failure have a harder time performing this function. Therefore, medical societies advise reducing protein consumption and avoiding exceeding the suggested intake, which is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
For those in the early stages of kidney failure, overconsumption of protein can exacerbate the condition, warns Papineau, and this is even more concerning when one is not adequately hydrated.
Papineau emphasized, "The risk is real, and it's even more pronounced considering that one in ten people in Quebec is unaware they have kidney failure." Her patients often share a common profile: athletes with a predisposition, as well as construction workers with a protein-rich diet low in fruits and vegetables.
For healthy adults, high protein intake may cause slight strain on the kidneys over time, leading to a potential increased risk of chronic kidney disease. However, studies on healthy adults suggest that moderate to high protein intake within recommended limits does not have detrimental effects on kidney health [5].
Sports nutritionist Eve Crepeau also underlined that, in the general population, many people consume a significant amount of protein, and only a minority develop kidney disease. She dispelled the myth that daily protein intake causes kidney problems.
However, when proteins dominate the diet, other essential nutrients may be lacking. Canadians' diets often lack whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies [4].
In conclusion, while very high protein intake might increase the long-term risk of kidney strain, moderate to high protein consumption within recommended limits is generally not associated with adverse effects on kidney health for healthy adults [5]. Those with existing kidney issues should consult healthcare providers before increasing protein intake significantly [2][3][5].
- The increased intake of protein can potentially impact the health-and-wellness of individuals, particularly those with kidney disorders, according to Roxanne Papineau, a nephrology nutritionist.
- High protein consumption can strain the kidneys over time for healthy adults, as suggested by sports nutritionist Eve Crepeau, but moderate intake within recommended limits is generally not associated with adverse effects on kidney health.
- Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts and certain professions like construction workers, who often have a protein-rich diet, may inadvertently ignore essential nutrients like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies.
