What happens with too much protein?

Sarauk2sf

Also, for building muscle, I believe the recommended amount is 60-80grams/day. You shouldn't consume more than 30g/meal, because 30 is the most your body can break down, at a time. It is true that excessive amounts of protein can damage your kidneys, though, but like I said, you can consume up to 80grams/day.

Recommended amount is based on LBM if known, goal weight if not. So it would vary, and usually 2 g / kg / day.

As to that mythical 30 figure thrown out, nothing to it. Read the research review by respected Alan Aragon

http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/is-there-a-limit-to-how-much-protein-the-body-can-use-in-a-single-meal/

I think this article clears things up a bit. Basically it states that everyone is different. A body builder may be able to absorb more than 30g/meal, however, on average, most of us can only digest about 30g. It also states that it depends on the type of protein, and that some proteins take longer than others to digest. Not a mythical figure, though.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/480054-how-much-protein-can-we-absorb-per-meal/

You're citing an opinion piece on livestrong that alludes to some guru's opinion and is largely devoid of any actual research. Alan's article is based on the preponderance of current research on the subject, and is properly cited. This is a not so subtle difference.

Actually, Venuto's conclusion is pretty solid - it's livestrong that does a terrible job of copy pasta.

JeninBelgium

HI - as long as you aren't eating ridiculously high amounts of protein- AND you don't have any kidney problems don't worry

Sarauk2sf

OP: going over protein is fine, especially if you are using MFPs default settings.

If you are at a caloric deficit and training, you should be aiming for 1g protein per lb of LBM.

heybales

I think this article clears things up a bit. Basically it states that everyone is different. A body builder may be able to absorb more than 30g/meal, however, on average, most of us can only digest about 30g. It also states that it depends on the type of protein, and that some proteins take longer than others to digest. Not a mythical figure, though.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/480054-how-much-protein-can-we-absorb-per-meal/

Sadly some of the writers for Livestrong are more than a little lacking in being able to read basic studies.

Like this quote - "According to the University of California, Los Angeles, the maximum amount of protein your body can absorb and utilize each day is 0.91 g per pound of body weight."

That is a total misread of the 2 g / kg / day (metric to US is 0.91) - but it is always per lb of Lean Body Mass - not body weight. Good grief, you won't have enough room for other macros if you went by body weight.

No links to this - that could have been a flyer from the gym at the university for that matter.

Because it's been shown the body can absorb more easily, leaving out of it the 30 g per meal idea. The writer just got that massively wrong since no references.

Referenced Tom Venuto, but nothing in context as to what his article was really about. Thanks to inclusion above for the full context - thanks Sara.

EvgeniZyntx

Also, for building muscle, I believe the recommended amount is 60-80grams/day. You shouldn't consume more than 30g/meal, because 30 is the most your body can break down, at a time. It is true that excessive amounts of protein can damage your kidneys, though, but like I said, you can consume up to 80grams/day.

This is wrong.

The amount of protein you need will depend on your size, whether you are in a caloric deficit or surplus, the extent of your caloric deficit if you are in one and your training routine,

The 30g of protein is a myth

http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/is-there-a-limit-to-how-much-protein-the-body-can-use-in-a-single-meal/

Unless you have a pre existing kidney condition and stay properly hydrated, there is no evidence to suggest that excess protein will cause kidney problems. Please provide studies that indicate otherwise.

This is correct (Sara's and heybales posts) with two/three caveats.

Over hydration (>4 liters per day) with high protein diets should be avoided as this leads to proteinuria - mechanism might be renal damage. (source: renal function classes, 20 years ago, Johns Hopkins)
For diabetics and/or people with kidney issues (which is about 20 - 25% of the population!!) high protein diet could lead to further decline in renal function. (2003 Knight study.) Given that a quarter of the pop. is at risk, while Sara's comment is correct for healthy individuals, the risk group is large.

If you take medications, particularly cholesterol management drugs, high protein diet increases the risk of kidney damage. (ref: statin marketing material)

Consistently foamy urine? See a doctor.

Edit: avoid livestrong posts: they are consistently of poor quality and contradictory with each other and or science. (Also added some references)