In recent years, the general public and the medical community have taken a leaf out of the bodybuilder’s hand book. High-protein diets have been extremely popular among many health-conscious groups. This is due to an increasing amount of research that suggests high-protein diets provide a number of health benefits such as stabilized blood sugar levels, improved cholesterol profiles, reduced appetite, preservation of lean tissue and more effective fat loss. However, some physicians are still concerned about the safety of a high protein intake over the long term.
One of these concerns is the effects of a high protein diet on kidney function. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating the waste products of protein metabolism. However, a conclusive review of the scientific literature has shown that high-protein diets have little or no effect on kidney function.
There is no research that is able to link increased protein intake to kidney damage or disease. Obviously, people with a pre-existing kidney condition need to take caution with their dietary protein intake. However, a high protein intake does not damage a healthy kidney.
Source: Nutrition & Metabolism Sept, 2005.
