Concerns Over High Protein Diets and Kidney Health

Recent Discussions Among Kidney Experts

Kidney specialists have recently examined two studies indicating that high protein diets may pose risks to kidney health for certain individuals. While many popular diets promote increased protein intake and reduced carbohydrates for weight loss and health improvement, some experts are beginning to challenge this perspective. Their primary concern revolves around the potential harm high protein diets could inflict on individuals with diminished kidney function.

Impact of High Protein Diets on Kidney Filtration

Previous studies have established that a diet rich in protein escalates the filtration rate and pressure within the kidneys. Conversely, a low protein diet reduces both filtration and pressure levels. Although individuals with healthy kidney function may not experience negative effects from high protein diets, those who are unaware of existing kidney issues may be vulnerable to damage. This is particularly relevant for obese or diabetic patients seeking effective weight loss strategies, as these groups often exhibit reduced kidney function.

Insights from Recent Research in Nephrology

In a recent edition of *Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation*, experts from the European Renal Nutrition Working Group analyzed the findings of two significant studies published in the same issue. These studies investigated the implications of high protein diets on kidney function.

The first study, conducted in the Netherlands, involved over 4,800 patients with a history of heart attack. Researchers assessed blood samples and dietary information from a subgroup of more than 2,200 participants to evaluate kidney function relative to their protein intake. The analysis revealed a direct correlation between daily protein consumption and the deterioration of kidney function.

The second study, involving over 9,000 South Korean individuals, found that the risk of kidney hyperfiltration was 3.5 times higher among those consuming the highest protein diets compared to those with the lowest intake. Participants with elevated protein consumption also demonstrated a 1.3-fold increased risk of a more rapid decline in kidney function over time. Additionally, a large population survey involving over 40,000 individuals from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2015) corroborated these findings, showing a higher risk of kidney hyperfiltration among those in the higher protein intake group.

Raising Awareness of Potential Kidney Risks

Despite the existing knowledge surrounding these findings, experts from the European Renal Nutrition Working Group express concern that many individuals may not realize they are at risk for kidney disease and could inadvertently harm their kidneys by adopting high protein diets for weight loss.

Professor Denis Fouque, former chair of the European Renal Nutrition Working Group, emphasized that high-protein diets can induce kidney hyperfiltration, potentially exacerbating pre-existing low-grade kidney disease, which is often observed in diabetic patients and even in individuals with no prior health issues. He highlighted the necessity of raising awareness about these risks, stating, “It is essential that people know there is another side to high-protein diets, and that incipient kidney disease should always be excluded before one changes their eating habits and adopts a high-protein diet.”

References

Kalantar-Zadeh K, Kramer H, Fouque D. High-protein diet is bad for kidney health: unleashing the taboo. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation gfz216, https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfz216

Esmeijer K, Geleijnse JM, de Fijter JW, et al. Dietary protein intake and kidney function decline after myocardial infarction: the Alpha Omega Cohort. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation gfz015, https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfz015

Jhee JH, Kee YK, Park S, et al. High-protein diet with renal hyperfiltration is associated with rapid decline rate of renal function: community-based prospective cohort study. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation gfz115, https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfz115

ERA-EDTA, Press release, 18 Nov 2019. High-protein diets may harm your kidneys. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-11/e-hdm111819.php