Translations:Protein toxicity/12/en

Effects of a high protein diet

A high-protein diet is a health concern for those suffering from kidney disease. The main concern is that a high protein intake may promote further renal damage that can lead to protein toxicity. The physiological changes induced by an increased protein intake, such as an increased glomerular pressure and hyperfiltration, place further strain on already damaged kidneys. This strain can lead to proteins being inadequately metabolized and subsequently causing toxicity. A high-protein diet can lead to complications for those with renal disease and has been linked to further progression of the disease. The well-known Nurse's Health Study found a correlation between the loss of kidney function and an increased dietary intake of animal protein by people who had already been diagnosed with renal disease. This association suggests that a total protein intake that exceeds the recommendations may accelerate renal disease and lead to risk of protein toxicity within a diseased individual. For this reason, dietary protein restriction is a common treatment for people with renal disease in which proteinuria is present. Protein restricted individuals have been shown to have slower rates of progression of their renal diseases.