How Much Protein Is Too Much?

How much protein is too much? The amount of protein that each person requires depends on activity level, gender, weight, age, fitness, and health goals, etc. The Recommended Daily Allowance, (RDA), recommends a minimum of 0.36 grams of protein per pound daily.

How much protein is too much? iStock-photo credit: Rimma_Bondarenko

If you are a physically active person, you will require more daily protein to meet those activity needs. Many health organizations recommend up to 1 gram of protein per pound if you are physically active person.

Pregnant women, women that are breastfeeding, older adults and people with medical conditions require more daily protein than the general population. High protein diets are safe for people with normal kidney function but people that have decreased kidney function should avoid high protein diets.

A research study was done where a group consumed a diet that contained 1.5 grams of protein per pound for 8 weeks and this was in combination with resistance training. The study showed there was no change in the creatinine levels, kidney function markers, blood urea nitrogen levels, glomerular filtration rate, etc.

Studies have shown that people with kidney disease benefit from restricted protein diets. Research studies have shown that higher protein consumption can help with improving bone health. A 2009 review study showed that higher protein intake above the current RDA was linked to a reduced risk of hip fracture and increased bone mineral density.

The Bottom Line is anything more than 1.5 grams of protein per pound would be too much protein to consume within a day. If you have kidney disease consuming a high protein diet could potentially negatively affect your current health.

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