Subject: excessive protein

Submitted by: Jan-Øyvind Lorgen, Oslo, Norway

I am afraid that I eat too much proteins, since this might affect my kidneys. I generally eat between 2,5 and 3,0 g protein / kg bodyweight/ day. What do you consider optimal protein consumption and what is excessive protein consumption?

 

How much protein is optimal depends on overall caloric intake, lean body mass, exercise type and volume. Assuming you don’t have an existing kidney problem, don’t worry about how much protein you’re consuming. However, make sure you drink lots of water as indicated in NHE. Also, I recommend taking a B-complex supplement plus extra folic acid and B12 for everyone but especially for folks consuming a high protein diet due to the interaction of methionine (an amino acid) with homocysteine.