PROTEIN TOXICITY

• Protein toxicity occurs when the body is unable to get rid of the
potentially toxic wastes that are generated as a result of protein
metabolism, it may be also caused by chronic kidney disease.

• When an individual with impaired kidney function consumes protein

rich diet, protein toxicity occurs. Specifically proteins from animal
sources that are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and are
rapidly metabolized causing the release of high concentration of toxic
nitrogenous waste material.
RISKS OF EATING TOO MUCH
PROTEIN
Consuming high amounts of any nutrient for a long period of time typically
comes with risks, as can be the case with protein. Overconsumption may lead
to an increased risk of certain health complications, according to research.

• WEIGHT GAIN
High-protein diets may tout weight loss, but this type of weight loss may only
be short-term.
Excess protein consumed is usually stored as fat, while the surplus of amino
acids is excreted. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if you
consume too many calories while trying to increase your protein intake.
A 2016 study found that weight gain was significantly associated with diets
where protein replaced carbohydrates, but not when it replaced fat.
• BAD BREATH
Eating large amounts of protein can lead to bad breath, especially if you
restrict your carbohydrate intake. 
In an older registry, 40 percent of participants reported bad breath. This
could be in part because your body goes into a metabolic state called 
ketosis, which produces chemicals that give off an unpleasant fruity
smell.
Brushing and flossing won’t get rid of the smell.
Double water intake, brush teeth more often, and chew gum to counter
some of this effect.
• Constipation
High-protein diets that restrict carbohydrates are typically low in fiber.
Increasing water and fiber intake can help prevent constipation.
Tracking bowel movements may be helpful.
• Diarrhea
Eating too much dairy or processed food, coupled with a lack of fiber,
can cause diarrhea. This is especially true if you’re lactose-intolerant or
consume protein sources such as fried meat, fish, and poultry. 
Eat heart-healthy proteins instead.
To avoid diarrhea, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated beverages,
limit fried foods and excess fat consumption, and increase your fiber
intake.
• DEHYDRATION
Your body flushes out excess nitrogen with fluids and water. This can leave you dehydrated even though
you may not feel more thirsty than usual. 
A small 2002 study involving athletes found that as protein intake increased, hydration levels
decreased. However, a 2006 study concluded that consuming more protein had a minimal impact on
hydration.
This risk or effect can be minimized by increasing your water intake, especially if you’re an active
person. Regardless of protein consumption, it’s always important to 
drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• KIDNEY DAMAGE
While no major studies link high protein intake to kidney damage in healthy individuals, excess protein
can cause damage in people with preexisting kidney disease. This is because of the excess nitrogen
found in the amino acids that make up proteins. Damaged kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the
extra nitrogen and waste products of protein metabolism.
Separately a 2012 study looked at the effects of low-carbohydrate, high-protein versus low-fat diets on
the kidneys. The study found that in healthy obese adults, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein weight-loss
diet over two years was not associated with noticeably harmful effects on renal filtration, albuminuria,
or fluid and electrolyte balance compared with a low-fat diet.
• INCREASED CANCER RISK
Studies have shown that certain high-protein diets that are particularly high in red meat-
based protein are linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including cancer. Eating
more red and/or processed meat is associated with colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. 
Conversely, eating protein from other sources has been associated with a decreased risk of
cancer. Scientists believe this could be due, in part, to hormones, carcinogenic compounds,
and fats found in meat.
• HEART DISEASE
Eating lots of red meat and full-fat dairy foods as part of a high-protein diet may lead to
heart disease. This could be related to higher intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol.
According to a 2010 study, eating large amounts of red meat and high-fat dairy was shown
to increase the risk of coronary heart disease in women. Eating poultry, fish, and nuts
lowered the risk.
A 2018 study also showed that long-term consumption of red meat can increase
trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut-generated chemical that is linked to heart disease.
Findings also showed that reducing or eliminating dietary red meat reversed the effects.
• CALCIUM LOSS
• Diets that are high in protein and meat may cause calcium loss. This is
sometimes associated with osteoporosis and poor bone health.
• A 2013 review of studies found an association between high levels of
protein consumption and poor bone health. However, 
another 2013 review found that the effect of protein on bone health
is inconclusive. Further research is needed to expand and conclude
upon these findings.
 SYMPTOMS FOR PROTEIN TOXICITY
• Unexplained vomiting and a loss of appetite are indicators of protein toxicity. If those two
symptoms are accompanied by an ammonia quality on the breath the on-set of kidney
failure is a likely culprit. People with kidney disease, who are not on dialysis, are advised to
avoid consumption of protein if possible, as consuming too much accelerates the condition
and can lead to death. Most of the problems stem from the accumulation of
unfiltered toxins and wastes from protein metabolism.
• Kidney function naturally declines with age due to the gradual loss of nephrons (filters) in
the kidney. Therefore, a 90-year-old cannot safely consume the same amount of protein as
a 20-year-old.
• Common causes of chronic kidney disease include diabetes, heart disease, long term
untreated high blood pressure, as well as abuse of analgesics like ibuprofen, aspirin,
and paracetamol. Kidney disease like the polycystic kidney disease can be genetic in nature
and progress as the patient ages.
Diagnosis
• A confirmation of kidney failure is often obtained by performing a
blood test which measures the concentration of creatinine and urea (
blood urea nitrogen).