What Are Dangers Of Over-consuming Protein?

Protein is a nutrient necessary for proper growth and body function, with 22 primary amino acids serving as the building blocks of protein. Your body can produce some amino acids, while others must be obtained through diet. The U.S Department of Agriculture recommends getting 6 percent of your daily calories from protein. While your body needs protein, excess protein can have adverse health effects.

Excess Protein

According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming a short-term, high-protein diet is not harmful under normal circumstances. The risks associated with consuming high protein increase when combined with low carbohydrate intake, or when followed long-term. High-protein diets that restrict other nutrients can lead to deficiencies. Restricting carbs can lead to a lack of fiber, which can cause constipation. Even without restricting other nutrients, excess protein can have negative health effects.

Kidney Impact

The kidneys, located just below the ribs, are two bean-shaped organs that serve as your body's filtration system. The kidneys filter waste from about 200 quarts of recirculating blood per day. A high-protein diet places stress on your kidneys due to increased uric acid and nitrogen, which must be filtered from the blood. Uric acid is a substance created by the breakdown of purines, normally filtered by your kidneys and excreted in urine.

Increased Homocysteine

According to a controlled crossover trial published in the September 2005 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," a high-protein diet increases homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a normally harmless amino acid, but according to FamilyDoctor.org, high homocysteine levels can damage the lining of arteries and cause blood to clot more easily. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases with high homocysteine levels.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density, resulting in thin, brittle bones that can break easily. According to a review published in the July 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Cardiology," one of the complications of a high-protein diet is metabolic acidosis, a condition in which body fluids contain too much acid. Metabolic acidosis promotes calcium removal from bones, which can lead to the development of osteoporosis.