About this Resource
High protein intakes can offer various benefits, especially for muscle maintenance and weight management, but there are potential negative effects of chronically high protein diets to consider. Namely, high protein intakes have been associated with kidney stones and kidney damage, cancer, and reduced lifespan.

Grounded in the Research
“Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are often encouraged to follow high-protein diets to optimize muscle protein synthesis, modify body composition, and enhance performance, yet the safety of these higher protein intakes has been debated. Many people with kidney dysfunction are unaware of their condition, and the potential harm of excess protein intake on the kidneys may not be adequately reported in the sports nutrition literature.”
Excerpt from: Marinaro, M., Alexander, D. S., & de Waal, D. (2024). Do the high‐protein recommendations for athletes set some on a path to kidney injury and dialysis?. In Seminars in dialysis (Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 301-306).
References
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