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In a world of countless diet fads and programs, perhaps none is
as well-known as the "Atkins Diet," which severely limits
carbohydrate consumption but allows for high levels of dietary protein
and fats. The possible long-term side-effects of a high-protein,
low-carbohydrate diet are still uncertain, although recent American
Heart Association guidelines suggest that a long-term, high-protein
diet may adversely affect kidney function.
To evaluate a possible association between dietary protein intake
and functional decline of the kidneys over an 11-year period, researchers
examined approximately 1,600 women ages 42-68. Protein intake was
determined twice over the study period using a food-frequency questionnaire;
renal function was evaluated through measurements of kidney filtration
ability. About 500 women displayed a slight but harmless weakened
kidney function at the start of the study.
In women with mild kidney deficiency, high protein consumption
was associated with a significant decline in kidney function over
time; those who consumed the most protein showed the greatest functional
decline. Intake of nondairy animal protein, in particular, was associated
with accelerated renal decline in these women. High protein intake
was not related to kidney function in women with normal initial
kidney function.
Long-term, high-protein diets may have substantial negative side-effects
on kidney function. Roughly one-fourth of all Americans are considered
to display mild renal insufficiency; most of these individuals are
unaware of this. Exercise caution when considering any fad diet
or weight-loss remedy. If you choose a high-protein, low-carb diet
to lose weight, consider only adhering to it for a short time. A
well-balanced diet combined with exercise is still the safest, most
effective way to maintain long-term weight control.
Reference: Knight EL, Stampfer MJ, et al. The impact of protein
intake on renal function decline in women with normal renal function
or mild renal insufficiency. Annals of Internal Medicine 2003:138(6),
pp. 460-467.
To learn more about how the nutritional choices you make can affect
your health, go to www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/nutrition.
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