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The truth about High-protein diet
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Well, I only read the first third of the article, but I can tell you right from the start, the paper is mistaken in calling the Atkin's Diet a "High Protein Diet." Although many people following the diet often increase their portein intake due to the types of foods they are eating, the diet is actually published as a "High FAT diet." There have never been any true studies that I am aware of that have shown that high protein diets in those with healthy kidney functioning have ever caused any long term damage. The biggest problem I believe as far as kidneys and high protein intake is the need to drink plenty of water. Your body requires a larger amount of water to flush out the ammonia and urea associated with protein metabolism, but outside of that, there are no problems in those with healthy kidney functioning that I am aware of. I'd have to read more to be able to comment more, but hopefully someone more knowledgable than myself can shed more light on the subject.
All I have to say is:
Am J Epidemiol 2002 Apr 1;155(7):636-44
Protein consumption and bone mineral density in the elderly : the Rancho
Bernardo Study.
The role of dietary protein in osteoporosis is unclear, with previous studies having suggested both
protection and harm. The associations of total, animal, and vegetable protein with bone mineral
density (BMD) and the variations in these associations with calcium intake were studied in a
community-dwelling cohort of 572 women and 388 men aged 55-92 years (Rancho Bernardo,
California). Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for standard osteoporosis covariates
showed a positive association between animal protein consumption, assessed by food frequency
questionnaires in 1988-1992, and BMD, measured 4 years later. This association was statistically
significant in women. For every 15-g/day increase in animal protein intake, BMD increased by
0.016 g/cm2 at the hip (p = 0.005), 0.012 g/cm2 at the femoral neck (p = 0.02), 0.015 g/cm2 at the
spine (p = 0.08), and 0.010 g/cm2 for the total body (p = 0.04). Conversely, a negative association
between vegetable protein and BMD was observed in both sexes. Some suggestion of effect
modification by calcium was seen in women, with increasing protein consumption appearing to be
more beneficial for women with lower calcium intakes, but evidence for this interaction was not
consistently strong. THIS STUDY SUPPORTS A PROTECTIVE ROLE FOR DIETARY ANIMAL PROTEIN IN THE SKELETAL
HEALTH OF ELDERLY WOMEN.
Other than that, it is a futile debate since they are both correct and incorrect on many points and assumptions. While there is little doubt that a diet that emphasizes fresh fruits, veggies and WHOLE grains while reducing saturated fat and animal protein intake is protective against most degenerative diseases, the truth is that almsot no Americans can or are willing to stick to such a diet long term. This is why alternative diets are so successful....because they are easier to adhere to, rather than anything innately better about the actual dietary method. Keeping obesity under control will save more lives than the healthiest diet that no one will follow!
Am J Epidemiol 2002 Apr 1;155(7):636-44
Protein consumption and bone mineral density in the elderly : the Rancho
Bernardo Study.
The role of dietary protein in osteoporosis is unclear, with previous studies having suggested both
protection and harm. The associations of total, animal, and vegetable protein with bone mineral
density (BMD) and the variations in these associations with calcium intake were studied in a
community-dwelling cohort of 572 women and 388 men aged 55-92 years (Rancho Bernardo,
California). Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for standard osteoporosis covariates
showed a positive association between animal protein consumption, assessed by food frequency
questionnaires in 1988-1992, and BMD, measured 4 years later. This association was statistically
significant in women. For every 15-g/day increase in animal protein intake, BMD increased by
0.016 g/cm2 at the hip (p = 0.005), 0.012 g/cm2 at the femoral neck (p = 0.02), 0.015 g/cm2 at the
spine (p = 0.08), and 0.010 g/cm2 for the total body (p = 0.04). Conversely, a negative association
between vegetable protein and BMD was observed in both sexes. Some suggestion of effect
modification by calcium was seen in women, with increasing protein consumption appearing to be
more beneficial for women with lower calcium intakes, but evidence for this interaction was not
consistently strong. THIS STUDY SUPPORTS A PROTECTIVE ROLE FOR DIETARY ANIMAL PROTEIN IN THE SKELETAL
HEALTH OF ELDERLY WOMEN.
Other than that, it is a futile debate since they are both correct and incorrect on many points and assumptions. While there is little doubt that a diet that emphasizes fresh fruits, veggies and WHOLE grains while reducing saturated fat and animal protein intake is protective against most degenerative diseases, the truth is that almsot no Americans can or are willing to stick to such a diet long term. This is why alternative diets are so successful....because they are easier to adhere to, rather than anything innately better about the actual dietary method. Keeping obesity under control will save more lives than the healthiest diet that no one will follow!
