How Much Protein Is Simply Too Much? (2024)

FAQs

How Much Protein Is Simply Too Much? ›

It's hard to provide a specific answer since so much is still uncertain and the experts themselves don't agree. However, for the average person (who is not an elite athlete or heavily involved in body building) it's probably best to aim for no more than 2 gm/kg; that would be about 125 grams/day for a 140-pound person.

People who exercise regularly also have higher needs, about 1.1–1.5 grams per kilogram. People who regularly lift weights, or are training for a running or cycling event need 1.2–1.7 grams per kilogram. Excessive protein intake would be more than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight each day.

Certain studies have shown that there is almost no limit to the amount of protein our bodies can absorb, but the more protein you consume in one go, the longer it will take to digest. There are other factors which affect this, such as the content of certain amino acids within the protein you are consuming.

Some people, such as elite athletes, may be able to eat as much as 3.5 g per kg of body weight daily without any side effects. However, most research indicates that eating more than 2 g per kg of body weight daily of protein for a long time can cause health problems.

“Yes, there is such a thing as too much protein,” Nicholas says. “The general consensus is that two grams per kilogram of body weight is the upper limit for most adult males.” So, if you weigh 185 pounds, you shouldn't be eating more than 168 grams of protein per day.

Nevertheless, it is important not to exceed 3 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (210g for a 70kg person), especially for untrained individuals, as very high protein intake can have an acidifying effect on the body and lead to various health issues if the diet is not well-balanced.

Protein myth: the body can only absorb 30g protein per meal

According to research, the human body can absorb a virtually unlimited amount of protein.

When proteins are digested more slowly, the body can tolerate higher doses. Even if you were to have two chicken breasts for dinner (about 50g of protein), your body is likely to absorb most of the protein (unlike a 50g whey protein shake, where some of it will be wasted).

Is there anything wrong with eating 70g of protein in a single meal? As long as you intake an amount of protein per day that your body is actually using, you will be fine. For most people who stay moderately active this will be roughly 1g of protein for every 2 lbs a person weighs.

Is too much protein bad for your kidneys? ›

High dietary protein intake can cause intraglomerular hypertension, which may result in kidney hyperfiltration, glomerular injury, and proteinuria. It is possible that long-term high protein intake may lead to de novo CKD. The quality of dietary protein may also play a role in kidney health.

Overview. Amyloidosis is a condition in which too much of a particular protein (amyloid) collects in the organs, so that they are not able to work normally. Amyloidosis can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, stomach or intestines.

"Protein has calories, so if you eat a little too much, and don't exercise, it can get stored as fat." ...

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.

In an adult, the kidneys may filter around 48 gallons (180 liters) of blood every single day. High protein intake may cause harm in people with diagnosed kidney disease, but the same doesn't apply to people with healthy kidneys ( 12 , 13 , 14 ).

Yes, 200g of protein per day can build muscle mass. Protein contains the amino acids needed to form new proteins. Therefore, athletes and bodybuilders need to get enough protein in their diets. According to a study, 200g of protein per day is enough for most adults who want to increase their lean body mass.

Decreasing protein intake to no more than 2.0 grams per kilogram of bodyweight — while also including a moderate amount of healthy fats and carbohydrates in the diet — can treat protein poisoning, increase fiber intake, and promote overall well-being. Balance is key.

Experts recommend a daily intake of at least 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight (0.8 grams per kg). That's 43 grams per day for someone weighing 120 pounds, 54 grams daily if you weigh 150 pounds and 72 grams per day if you weigh 200 pounds.

But protein by itself isn't enough, explains Keeney. “Simply eating protein will not give you bigger or stronger muscles. Eating well-balanced meals including a carbohydrate, fat and fiber with your protein helps build and repair muscle.”

It's best to spread your protein intake throughout the day, as eating too much at once can cause uncomfortable side effects.