(13-06-13) Dietary protein intake and renal function

Review
William F Martin†1, Lawrence E Armstrong†2 and Nancy R Rodriguez*†1
Address: 1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA and 2Department of Kinesiology, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Email: William F Martin - [email protected]; Lawrence E Armstrong - [email protected];
Nancy R Rodriguez* - [email protected]
* Corresponding author †Equal contributors

Abstract
Recent trends in weight loss diets have led to a substantial increase in protein intake by individuals.
As a result, the safety of habitually consuming dietary protein in excess of recommended intakes
has been questioned. In particular, there is concern that high protein intake may promote renal
damage by chronically increasing glomerular pressure and hyperfiltration. There is, however, a
serious question as to whether there is significant evidence to support this relationship in healthy
individuals. In fact, some studies suggest that hyperfiltration, the purported mechanism for renal
damage, is a normal adaptative mechanism that occurs in response to several physiological
conditions. This paper reviews the available evidence that increased dietary protein intake is a
health concern in terms of the potential to initiate or promote renal disease. While protein
restriction may be appropriate for treatment of existing kidney disease, we find no significant
evidence for a detrimental effect of high protein intakes on kidney function in healthy persons after
centuries of a high protein Western diet.

Source: Nutrition & Metabolism 2005, 2:25 doi:10.1186/1743-7075-2-25

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