Protein is an important macronutrient that is needed in the body for many reasons. Red blood cells are made from protein, as are skin, hair, eyes, organs and muscle tissue, including the brain. Protein is needed to build and repair muscle, and its molecules, called amino acids, carry minerals throughout the body. Even though protein is essential to health, too much protein can pose some serious health risks, if it is over-consumed over a long period of time. Consult your physician before engaging in any high-protein diet.
Kidney Problems
When protein is digested, the amino acids are sent to the kidneys to be assimilated. Excessive intake of protein causes ketones to build up in the body, which the kidneys then have to work to get rid of. Ketones result from the body trying to break down fat and convert it for use as energy. The kidneys get rid of these ketones through the urine, which can also lead to dehydration. High ketone levels in the body means that the kidneys are doing more work than necessary.
Bone Loss
For the body to break down proteins into amino acids, it must release some digestive enzymes. These enzymes need calcium to help absorb the amino acids for use in the body. When excessive protein is consumed, the bodily stores of calcium get used up. Calcium is easily lost in the body because if enough calcium is not available in circulation to digest extra protein, some calcium will be leached from the bones. After time, this leaching of calcium can lead to bone loss and, eventually, osteoporosis.
Supplementing Problems
Many people who exercise with a goal of increasing muscle mass or volume may decide to supplement with single amino acids. Single amino acid supplementing can lead to an imbalance and deficiency of other amino acids and is not recommended, according to Dr. Elson Haas in his book, ''Staying Healthy with Nutrition.'' If amino acids are supplemented, they should not be taken in excess of the amounts that would normally be consumed in the diet. Always consult a physician or nutritionist before beginning to supplement with amino acids.
References
- ''Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine''; Dr. Elson M. Haas; 2006
- Vanderbilt University: Consequences of Excess Protein Intake
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