theguerillachemist

This should dispel some outdated rumors about too much protein and kidneys.

A diet that consists of high protein intake - 2.5-3.3g per kg of bodyweight - does not have any deleterious effects.

It has been postulated that high protein diets can have negative affects on the renal system. This year long study conducted in humans (trained men), not rodents, which is of the utmost importance has finally put this notion to rest.

I'd like to point out a few key highlights:

During the high protein phase of this crossover study (switching from high pro intake to not) the individuals consumed an additional amount of calories due to protein increases. The subjects did not add any fat mass despite being in a hypercaloric state (eating in excess of what their body's would need to stay the same weight). Excess protein does not seem to have the same tendency to store as fat as do the other macronutrients - carbohydrates and fats.

The researchers also noted that despite the increase in total cholesterol intake (2ืthe recommended amount) there were no negative affects on blood lipid markers from a comprehensive metabolic panel.

In addition, in a previous study conducted by Antonio et al. there was a noted loss of fat mass in the high protein group. This current study did not produce the same results leading the researchers to believe that a high protein diet, coupled with a new training stimulus via periodization *may* be the reason additional fat mass was lost in the previous study and not the current.

The practicality of this is pretty vast in my opinion and if used correctly can be an excellent tool for lean mass accrual and fat mass loss.