The Dangers of Protein

Protein, along with carbohydrates and fats, is considered a macronutrient and is essential for life and health. Protein is considered the building block of muscle and other tissues inside the body, and is essential in many biochemical processes necessary for optimal body function. Protein can be found in meat, fish, poultry, nuts, dairy products, some legumes, and nutritional supplements. Despite its health benefits, excess protein may cause some side effects. Consult your physician to determine how much protein is right for you.

Recommended Dietary Allowance

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended that 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories come from protein sources. In general, teenage and adult women require about 46 g of protein per day, while adult men require about 56 g of protein per day. Teenage boys require about 52 g of protein per day. Athletes, however, may require more protein than the average individual, which can put athletes at a higher risk for protein side effects.

Cholesterol

A diet high in protein may also increase your total cholesterol levels, according to the National Library of Medicine. Having high cholesterol may make you more susceptible to cardiovascular side effects, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, and can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol may also be responsible for the formation of gallstones, a cholesterol-based solid mass that forms in your gallbladder, which can be very painful and inhibit the function of your digestive tract.

Kidney Stress

When protein is broken down, or metabolized, in your body, waste in the form of urea and uric acid is produced. Urea and uric acid is toxic and must be filtered through your kidneys and excreted in your urine. A high protein intake, according to the book "Physiology of Sport and Exercise," may place extra stress on your kidneys and renal system, and can increase the likelihood of kidney damage and kidney failure. Keeping your daily protein intake within recommended guidelines, and consuming adequate amounts of water to promote kidney health, may decrease the risk of kidney damage resulting from protein intake.

Mineral Imbalance

According to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," a high protein intake can cause an increase in the excretion of calcium from your body, leaving you more susceptible to a calcium deficiency. A calcium deficiency, called hypocalcemia, can have circulatory, nervous system, and muscular effects, which can be serious and sometimes require medical treatment. A lack of calcium may also leave you more susceptible to developing osteoporosis and osteopenia; this is especially true for older women.