Urea is a waste product produced during protein synthesis. The kidneys play a major role in the filtering process to help remove this waste from your body, which primarily leaves through the urine. Your doctor can measure your urea levels by doing a simple blood test to determine your blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, levels. When BUN is high, it often means you are eating too much protein. Address the situation right away with your doctor and/or dietitian.
Normal Levels
A blood test reveals your BUN levels. A test result of 12 g to 20 units per 24 hours is considered normal, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, safe BUN levels are largely dependent upon your age. According to The Foundation for IgA Nephropathy, a safe BUN level for children aged 1 to 13 years is 5 mg/dL to 17 mg/dL.
Symptoms
Minor symptoms may be associated with high urea levels in the body. These include fatigue, insomnia, dry skin, nausea and body odor. According to The Foundation for IgA Nephropathy, high urea levels are not toxic, but it can be a sign of poor renal, or kidney, function. These symptoms may be early signs of other health problems and not necessarily related to high BUN levels. Consult your doctor to get a urea blood test to be sure.
RDA for Protein
The best way to control the amount of urea filtered out of your body is to consume the right amount of protein. According to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), a sedentary person needs about 0.36 g of protein per lb. of body weight. This equates to 54 g of protein per day for a 150-lb. person. It also states the most protein a healthy adult can process is 0.91 g per lb. of body weight. For the same 150-lb. person, this equates to 136 g per day. Consuming more than this amount may begin to elevate urea levels in your body.
Risks/Safety
Your liver and kidneys filter protein waste out of your body. Too much protein can put extra strain on these organs. According to UCLA, a person with existing kidney or liver problems, such as kidney/liver disease, are at serious risk of complications, including renal failure, when consuming too much protein. A blood urea test can keep tabs on whether or not your protein consumption is within safe and acceptable levels.
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