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High-protein diets: Are they safe?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-protein-diets/AN00847
- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, Katherine is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition education related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
High-protein diets: Are they safe?
Are high-protein diets safe for weight loss?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
For most healthy people, a high-protein diet generally isn't harmful if followed for a short time, such as three to four months, and may help with weight loss. However, the risks of using a high-protein diet — usually with carbohydrate restriction — for the long term are still being studied. Several health problems may result if a high-protein diet is followed for an extended time:
- Some high-protein diets restrict carbohydrate intake so much that they can result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient fiber, which can cause such health problems as constipation and diverticulitis, and may increase your risk for certain types of cancer.
- High-protein diets often promote foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products. Some experts believe a diet rich in these foods can increase your risk of heart disease.
- A high-protein diet may cause or worsen liver or kidney problems because your body may already have trouble eliminating all the waste products of protein metabolism.
If you want to follow a high-protein diet, do so only as a short-term weight-loss aid. Also, choose your protein wisely. Good choices include fish, skinless chicken, lean beef, pork and low-fat dairy products. Choose carbs that are high in fiber, such as whole grains and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit. And if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes, if you're taking medication for a chronic health condition, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting a high-protein diet.
- Kushner RF, et al. Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets revisited. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2008;24:198.
- Brehm BJ, et al. Benefits of high-protein weight loss diets: Enough evidence for practice? Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 2008;15:416.
- Last AR, et al. Low-carbohydrate diets. American Family Physician. 2006;73:1942.
- Nelson JK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2010
- Astrup A, et al. Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets: Hoax or an effective tool for weight loss? The Lancet. 2004;364:897.
- Walker C, et al. Diets for cardiovascular disease prevention: What is the evidence? American Family Physician. 2009;79:571.
- Westerterp-Planteng MS, et al. Dietary protein, weight loss, and weight maintenance. Annual Review of Nutrition. 2009;29:21.
- Anderson CA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 19, 2010.
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