While it’s important to consume adequate protein, some experts say we’re going too far. There’s an obsession with protein that’s based in marketing and hype, and not in science, according to Mozaffarian. Many Americans are already consuming adequate amounts of protein that fall in line with current recommendations. “From a practical perspective, these new guidelines may lead Americans to believe they need even more protein than what they are already consuming, which is not the case,” Mozaffarian adds.
The hyper-focus on protein may end up causing more harm than good. “Thousands of processed products like energy bars, cereals, and water are being pitched as healthy because they’re high-protein, but there’s very little evidence that’s going to be good for Americans,” Mozaffarian says.
“Plus, if you eat more protein than your body needs, it gets stored as fat and can increase the risk of diabetes, just as eating too much starch or sugar does,” he says.
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Consuming too much protein may also crowd out other important foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, Phillips says. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals and are also good sources of dietary fiber, which is important for gut health. High-protein, low-fiber diets may lead to constipation and bloating and an increased risk of colon cancer and heart disease.
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For most people, a moderately high amount of protein doesn’t appear to cause problems. The exception is people with kidney disease. High-protein diets put extra stress on the kidneys and may accelerate the loss of kidney function in those who aren’t on hemodialysis. If you have kidney disease and aren’t receiving hemodialysis, talk to your healthcare provider about how much protein is right for you.
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