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How much protein is too much?

Beachchic1977
Beachchic1977 Posts: 31 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
MFP has me at 56 grams of protein per day, but I find it hard not to exceed. I'm on a Gluten Free diet due to a wheat allergy. I stick to it strictly because I'm not a fan of my tongue swelling up the size of a soft ball. That being said I don't purchase any of the fad gluten free products, I just eat what is naturally gluten free. Fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meat etc. My protein intake today was at 99 grams, is this excessive? Any suggestions on how to modify my intake, or should I even worry with it?
My diary is open, feel free to take a look.
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Replies

  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    If you have no underlying kidney function issues, you should be fine at that level. Many people feel that the program sets the protein goals to low. I aim for about 100g/day myself. Any higher or lower doesn't work for me.
  • fishshark
    fishshark Posts: 1,886 Member
    i aim for .8 of my goal weight.
  • wally2183
    wally2183 Posts: 214 Member
    My goal is to have at least 100 grams on workout days, 75_100 on cardio or light activities.
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    I aim for 1g per lb. of my goal weight, which is 150g per day. I don't always make that because my calorie goal is 1,360
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    MFP has me at 56 grams of protein per day, but I find it hard not to exceed. I'm on a Gluten Free diet due to a wheat allergy. I stick to it strictly because I'm not a fan of my tongue swelling up the size of a soft ball. That being said I don't purchase any of the fad gluten free products, I just eat what is naturally gluten free. Fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meat etc. My protein intake today was at 99 grams, is this excessive? Any suggestions on how to modify my intake, or should I even worry with it?
    My diary is open, feel free to take a look.

    MFP's recommendation for protein is based on the RDA which a lot of people don't know or understand is a minimum for a more or less sedentary person. If you're active, more is better...any more than 1 gram per Lb of LBM and you're just kind of throwing money down the toilette though. I try to get in around 0.7 - 0.8 grams per Lb of my body weight which gives me anywhere from 130 grams to 145 grams or so...0.8 grams gets me right about 1 gram per Lb of LBM.
  • Budjola
    Budjola Posts: 148 Member
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    MFP has me at 56 grams of protein per day, but I find it hard not to exceed. I'm on a Gluten Free diet due to a wheat allergy. I stick to it strictly because I'm not a fan of my tongue swelling up the size of a soft ball. That being said I don't purchase any of the fad gluten free products, I just eat what is naturally gluten free. Fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meat etc. My protein intake today was at 99 grams, is this excessive? Any suggestions on how to modify my intake, or should I even worry with it?
    My diary is open, feel free to take a look.

    You are nowhere near what would be damaging or even optimal. RDA is minimum and it's based on arguably flawed studies. In terms of setting an appropriate macros goal, are you strength training or engaging in strenuous physical activity? What are your strength and muscle gain goals? How much do you weigh?
  • fishshark
    fishshark Posts: 1,886 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    yeaaa actually u can have to much protein.. u can have to much of anything. OP isnt anywhere near that but ur statement isnt true.
  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    You only need 0.8g per lb. of. body mass. Layne Norton, Alan Aragon, Lyle McDonald and others have posted articles as to why.

    You only need more than 0.8g if you are on gear.

    Let's say your protein daily goal is 60g, and you end up consuming 100. That's fine. If weight loss is your only goal, then calories should be your top priority, not macros.

    But anyhow, it's all personal preference as to how you want your macros unless you're a bikini competitor.
  • ShodanPrime
    ShodanPrime Posts: 226 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.

    Which would be shown with a blood panel. Unless bloods come back questionable, it's fine.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    You only need 0.8g per lb. of. body mass. Layne Norton, Alan Aragon, Lyle McDonald and others have posted articles as to why.

    You only need more than 0.8g if you are on gear.

    Let's say your protein daily goal is 60g, and you end up consuming 100. That's fine. If weight loss is your only goal, then calories should be your top priority, not macros.

    But anyhow, it's all personal preference as to how you want your macros unless you're a bikini competitor.

    No. Go back and read the articles you're referencing. That is the general rule of thumb and it's a good one, but what is actually suggested is a range, and in a cut the recommendations exceed that ratio.
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.

    Which would be shown with a blood panel. Unless bloods come back questionable, it's fine.

    I know each has their own method, but my preference is to prevent kidney stress rather than react afterwards. I can still get plenty of protein without getting to the point of over-doing it.
  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    You only need 0.8g per lb. of. body mass. Layne Norton, Alan Aragon, Lyle McDonald and others have posted articles as to why.

    You only need more than 0.8g if you are on gear.

    Let's say your protein daily goal is 60g, and you end up consuming 100. That's fine. If weight loss is your only goal, then calories should be your top priority, not macros.

    But anyhow, it's all personal preference as to how you want your macros unless you're a bikini competitor.

    No. Go back and read the articles you're referencing. That is the general rule of thumb and it's a good one, but what is actually suggested is a range, and in a cut the recommendations exceed that ratio.

    The articles are all the same. I'm not sure which you're talking about, but this is the max. Sure, you can go beyond, but it's absolutely pointless, even in a cut.

    I suggest you read Lou Schoullers articles because you seem to believe in some bro theories.
  • eeejer
    eeejer Posts: 339 Member
    You only need 0.8g per lb. of. body mass. Layne Norton, Alan Aragon, Lyle McDonald and others have posted articles as to why.

    You only need more than 0.8g if you are on gear.

    Let's say your protein daily goal is 60g, and you end up consuming 100. That's fine. If weight loss is your only goal, then calories should be your top priority, not macros.

    But anyhow, it's all personal preference as to how you want your macros unless you're a bikini competitor.

    No. Go back and read the articles you're referencing. That is the general rule of thumb and it's a good one, but what is actually suggested is a range, and in a cut the recommendations exceed that ratio.

    The articles are all the same. I'm not sure which you're talking about, but this is the max. Sure, you can go beyond, but it's absolutely pointless, even in a cut.

    I suggest you read Lou Schoullers articles because you seem to believe in some bro theories.

    Any good researcher such as the ones you mention base protein intake on LBM, not bodyweight, so not sure where you came up with that. Lyle says "it was eventually found that a protein intake of about 1.5 g/kg of lean body mass was necessary to spare LBM losses in a non-training obese individual consuming low calories."

    and "we have an intake continuum ranging from about 1.5 g/kg (0.68 g/lb) as a minimum for the obese non-training individual up to a high of around 3.3 g/kg (1.5 g/lb) of protein per pound of lean body mass for very lean heavily training athletes or bodybuilders with middle ground values being found in between those two extremes"

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/protein-intake-while-dieting-qa.html/
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,037 Member
    1.6 grams per kilogram total body weight for me...
  • eeejer
    eeejer Posts: 339 Member
    and Lyle also does not say eating above that is pointless: "Please note that this value is simply a minimum and dieters may still find that higher protein intakes are beneficial from a hunger blunting effect or what have you"
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    You only need 0.8g per lb. of. body mass. Layne Norton, Alan Aragon, Lyle McDonald and others have posted articles as to why.

    You only need more than 0.8g if you are on gear.

    Let's say your protein daily goal is 60g, and you end up consuming 100. That's fine. If weight loss is your only goal, then calories should be your top priority, not macros.

    But anyhow, it's all personal preference as to how you want your macros unless you're a bikini competitor.

    No. Go back and read the articles you're referencing. That is the general rule of thumb and it's a good one, but what is actually suggested is a range, and in a cut the recommendations exceed that ratio.

    The articles are all the same. I'm not sure which you're talking about, but this is the max. Sure, you can go beyond, but it's absolutely pointless, even in a cut.

    I suggest you read Lou Schoullers articles because you seem to believe in some bro theories.

    You may want to do a search on here under "protein" and read the articles before so self-assuredly pronouncing my loyalty to bro science. Read beyond the take-always and summaries. I'll post links later to help you out. I beleive the latest one was from Schoenfeld, but I'm operating from memory there.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Since you already restrict carbs somewhat you have to get your calories from somewhere. It might as well be protein.

    Have you tried other grains like buckwheat or teff to add a little more variety in to your diet?
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    edited April 2016
    eeejer wrote: »
    and Lyle also does not say eating above that is pointless: "Please note that this value is simply a minimum and dieters may still find that higher protein intakes are beneficial from a hunger blunting effect or what have you"

    But one would have to read the article to see that. There was a very recent protein thread from a week or so ago and someone posted an interesting study from 2015 that discussed higher intakes. Science isn't static or always exact and while the rule of thumb holds for most cases, it's worth delving into the topic a bit moe and seeing what works for each of us given our own training age, age, body fat percentage, etc.
  • eeejer
    eeejer Posts: 339 Member
    eeejer wrote: »
    and Lyle also does not say eating above that is pointless: "Please note that this value is simply a minimum and dieters may still find that higher protein intakes are beneficial from a hunger blunting effect or what have you"

    But one would have to read the article to see that. There was a very recent protein thread from a week or so ago and someone posted an interesting study from 2015 that discussed higher intakes. Science isn't static or exact and while the rule of thumb holds for most cases, it's worth developing into the topic a bit moe and seeing what works for each of us given our own training age, age, body fat percentage, etc.

    essentially the take-away is that lots of protein is fine in the majority of cases, barring a medical issue.
  • ShodanPrime
    ShodanPrime Posts: 226 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.

    Which would be shown with a blood panel. Unless bloods come back questionable, it's fine.

    I know each has their own method, but my preference is to prevent kidney stress rather than react afterwards. I can still get plenty of protein without getting to the point of over-doing it.

    Yes, many people prefer methods that reinforce beliefs and avoid quantifiable data. Quantifiable data is often hard to gather and work with for the average person, so that's natural. Also, it can destroy beliefs.
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.

    Which would be shown with a blood panel. Unless bloods come back questionable, it's fine.

    I know each has their own method, but my preference is to prevent kidney stress rather than react afterwards. I can still get plenty of protein without getting to the point of over-doing it.

    Yes, many people prefer methods that reinforce beliefs and avoid quantifiable data. Quantifiable data is often hard to gather and work with for the average person, so that's natural. Also, it can destroy beliefs.

    Are you suggesting that I intentionally eat so much protein that I experience kidney problems?!
  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    It is my understanding that you should probably shoot for 1g/lb of lean body mass. Any more than that is likely wasted or stored. The reason that people shoot for .8g/lb of goal weight is that it gets you real close to that magic number of 1g/lb of lean body mass. Remember your goal weight is going to include some body fat, usually averaging 15-20% of your body weight. Some people go lower if they are looking to be 'ripped' but otherwise 15-20% for guys and 20-25% body fat for girls seems pretty average to me for someone who is in good shape and not overweight.
  • eeejer
    eeejer Posts: 339 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.

    Which would be shown with a blood panel. Unless bloods come back questionable, it's fine.

    I know each has their own method, but my preference is to prevent kidney stress rather than react afterwards. I can still get plenty of protein without getting to the point of over-doing it.

    Yes, many people prefer methods that reinforce beliefs and avoid quantifiable data. Quantifiable data is often hard to gather and work with for the average person, so that's natural. Also, it can destroy beliefs.

    Are you suggesting that I intentionally eat so much protein that I experience kidney problems?!

    are your kidneys damaged? No? Then show me something that says healthy people will damage their kidneys eating protein. http://www.precisionnutrition.com/high-protein-safe-for-kidneys
  • cadpro78
    cadpro78 Posts: 125 Member
    I plan to always pack my diet full of protein on workout days at the gym. And lean back on 'off' days...
  • ShodanPrime
    ShodanPrime Posts: 226 Member
    Budjola wrote: »
    i had 311g of protein today, soo... no u cant have too much protein. imo better go over in proteins then carbs

    At really high levels of protein, it can create strain on kidneys. So it is possible to have to much, but OP is not in that circumstance.

    Which would be shown with a blood panel. Unless bloods come back questionable, it's fine.

    I know each has their own method, but my preference is to prevent kidney stress rather than react afterwards. I can still get plenty of protein without getting to the point of over-doing it.

    Yes, many people prefer methods that reinforce beliefs and avoid quantifiable data. Quantifiable data is often hard to gather and work with for the average person, so that's natural. Also, it can destroy beliefs.

    Are you suggesting that I intentionally eat so much protein that I experience kidney problems?!

    I'm suggesting you're not looking at this logically.

    I'd also suggest you find some goals and follow them in a coherent manner.

    Finally, I'd suggest that you learn how to properly fuel yourself to achieve those goals, understand the basic research available regarding protein intake, and quit being concerned over remote silliness. Then I'd suggest that you learn to embrace quantifiable data, the concept of parameterized analytics wrt health, and the go about achieving those goals.



    Arguing on a cell app is much easier though, than doing all that. So I understand. However, since my time I. The bathroom is near done... It's time for me to go about crushing those goals.
  • eeejer
    eeejer Posts: 339 Member
    cadpro78 wrote: »
    I plan to always pack my diet full of protein on workout days at the gym. And lean back on 'off' days...

    this is fine, but I think eating a good amount of protein every day is worthwhile (your body relies on amino acids to repair your muscles on rest days). You should cycle carbs up on your work days and down on your rest days if anything.
  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    eeejer wrote: »
    You only need 0.8g per lb. of. body mass. Layne Norton, Alan Aragon, Lyle McDonald and others have posted articles as to why.

    You only need more than 0.8g if you are on gear.

    Let's say your protein daily goal is 60g, and you end up consuming 100. That's fine. If weight loss is your only goal, then calories should be your top priority, not macros.

    But anyhow, it's all personal preference as to how you want your macros unless you're a bikini competitor.

    No. Go back and read the articles you're referencing. That is the general rule of thumb and it's a good one, but what is actually suggested is a range, and in a cut the recommendations exceed that ratio.

    The articles are all the same. I'm not sure which you're talking about, but this is the max. Sure, you can go beyond, but it's absolutely pointless, even in a cut.

    I suggest you read Lou Schoullers articles because you seem to believe in some bro theories.

    Any good researcher such as the ones you mention base protein intake on LBM, not bodyweight, so not sure where you came up with that. Lyle says "it was eventually found that a protein intake of about 1.5 g/kg of lean body mass was necessary to spare LBM losses in a non-training obese individual consuming low calories."

    and "we have an intake continuum ranging from about 1.5 g/kg (0.68 g/lb) as a minimum for the obese non-training individual up to a high of around 3.3 g/kg (1.5 g/lb) of protein per pound of lean body mass for very lean heavily training athletes or bodybuilders with middle ground values being found in between those two extremes"

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/protein-intake-while-dieting-qa.html/

    http://bayesianbodybuilding.com/the-myth-of-1glb-optimal-protein-intake-for-bodybuilders/. From Alan and Lou combined, more than sufficient for me.


This discussion has been closed.