Effects of overconsumption of protein

Protein is an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies require it for a variety of processes, including strengthening, building and repairing tissues and muscle fibers.

Consuming more than the RDA may be considered a‘ high’ intake of protein. Diet which is high in protein generates a large amount of acid in body fluids. The kidneys respond to this dietary acid challenge with net acid excretion and, concurrently, the skeleton supplies buffer by active resorption of bone resulting in excessive calcium loss.

In a metabolic study an increase in protein intake from about 47 to 112 g caused an increase in urinary calcium and a decrease in calcium retention.

High-protein diets may promise weight loss, but it may only be short term. Excess protein is usually stored as fat while the surplus of amino acids is excreted. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if you consume too many calories while trying to increase your protein intake.

High protein diets advocate excessive levels of protein intake on the order of 200 to 400 g/d, which can equate to levels of approximately 5 g ∙ kg-1 ∙ d-1,which may exceed the liver’s capacity to convert excess nitrogen to urea. Dangers of excessive protein, defined as when protein constitutes more than 35% of total energy intake, include hyperaminoacidemia, hyperammonemia, hyperinsulinemia nausea, diarrhea, and even death (the “rabbit starvation syndrome”).
Effects of overconsumption of protein