The effects of the Atkins Diet on the kidneys have been hotly debated every since "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution" was published in 1972. Although the Atkins Nutritionals company filed for bankruptcy, the diet continues to be popular, and spawns other high-protein diets. The company never took a position as to the effects of the diet on the kidneys.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is a weight loss regimen. Unlike many other diets, which rely on calorie reduction alone, the Atkins diet requires dieters to increase their intake of fat and protein, while simultaneously lowering their intake of carbohydrates. Since high levels of urine protein over an extended period are associated with loss of kidney function, nutritionists are concerned about the effects of this diet.
Studies in Athletes
In an article appearing in the May, 2011 issue of the "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society"; K. D. Tipton reviewed the scientific literature as to the effects of high-protein diets on high performance athletes. He concluded that while high-protein diets do not affect kidney function if kidney function is already normal, it was possible that such diets could harm the kidneys of people with kidney disease. Checking with your doctor before starting the Atkins diet is a smart idea because one in nine Americans have kidney disease.
Animal Studies
Animals studies are often performed when it would be unethical to put human subjects at risk. An article in the February 2011 issue of "Hypertension" shows that a high-protein diet caused hypertension and renal damage in rats. A similar study in pigs appearing in the September 2010 "Journal of Nutrition" reported comparable results.
Recommendations
The Clinical Guidelines set by the National Kidney Foundation specifically mention the Atkins Diet. Guideline 6 for patients with chronic kidney disease, or CKD, states, "This diet and others that emphasize high protein intake or protein supplements should not be recommended in CKD." Patients with CKD often have high levels of urine protein. Eating a high-protein diet accelerates the decline of renal function in these patients.
References
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Health Advisory
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; The Impact of Protein Intake on Renal Function; E.L. Knight, et al.; March, 2003
- MSNBC; Atkins Nutritionals Files for Bankruptcy; Aug. 2005
- ConsumerAffairs.com: Atkins Diet Company Files Bankruptcy; Aug. 2005
- Atkins: Truths and Myths
- "Hypertension"; High Dietary Protein Exacerbates Hypertension; C. De Miguel, et al.; Feb. 2011
Member Comments