Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Both amino acids and protein supplements support muscle growth and maintenance; however, these supplements are often not necessary. Most Americans consume plenty of protein in their diet, so protein or amino acid supplements only add to a person’s already adequate daily intake of the nutrient. Over-consumption is the main danger associated with protein and amino acid supplements. Before trying either type of supplement, consult your doctor to make sure it’s right for you.
Misconception
One of the common misconceptions associated with amino acid and protein supplements is the proposed benefits. Many of these products are marketed as miracle muscle-building solutions, and that isn’t entirely true. While these supplements do supply needed essential amino acids to your body, they will only help you build muscle if you’re working out on a consistent basis. Physically-active people have a higher need for protein, so protein/amino acids are a viable choice only for this group of people.
Weight Gain
Consuming more protein than your body needs can lead to weight gain in the form of body fat. Excess protein in your body has one of three fates – exits your body as waste, converts to an energy source or gets stored as body fat. According to Virginia Uhley, Ph.D. of the University of Michigan, your body’s body fat-storage capacity is unlimited. Obesity is a dangerous condition that increases your risk of several diseases, including stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Kidney Damage
If you already suffer from any kind of kidney-debilitating condition, such as kidney disease or diabetes, protein and amino acid supplements may be dangerous for you. Damaged kidneys cannot filter protein as efficiently compared with healthy kidneys. Patients with kidney problems often need to consume less protein than the recommended dietary allowance, RDA, -- 0.36 g per lb. of body weight per day -- suggested for the average person. When you consider a single protein shake may have as much as 30 g or more protein, this can put excessive strain on your kidneys and cause further damage.
Contamination
As with any type of lab-created supplement, the issue of product contamination is always in play. A 2010 study conducted by Consumer Reports examined this issue in regards to the amount of toxic heavy metals found in protein supplements. Of the 15 protein supplements it tested, three of them contained unsafe levels of arsenic, cadmium and/or lead. It’s worth noting that the three supplements found to contain high levels of metals also contained far more protein in three servings than the average person would consume in one sitting and possibly in a day – 96 g, 96 g and 126 g of protein, respectively.
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