Is too much Protein bad?

bump

hehe, bump means that the user is following the thread to see what the answer/outcome is

Oh and check this thread out to sort your cals - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974889-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet then this one to sort outr macros - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

From what I understand, protein cannot be converted into fat. I don't even understand why we have a "daily cap" on protein. Looking forward for an explanation.

no, to much protein is never bad!

Then why do we have a daily cap and it goes "in the red" when we bust it?

My guesses:
It's not a daily cap, but a minimum amount you need.
It goes in the red, because the software just paints any value red if it goes over the set amount.

First off, that would be 'g', not 'mg' - grams not milligrams.

And no, unless you have an underlying problem, too much protein is generally not considered to be an issue.

Further, both figures are pretty low - plenty of people doing weights while looking to lose weight will go for around 1g per lb of body weight to help prevent muscle loss.

bump

excuse me?

Some people say "Bump" stands for "Bring Up My Post" - it's a way of bringing a thread to the top of the list so it's more likely people will see it - that's a reason that you might write it - instead of "Does anyone know the answer".

Someone who is also interested in the answer might write "Bump" instead of "I'd like to know too" as it's quick and needs no brain power to pop it into the thread. Threads you've commented on are easily found under "My topics" so it's a way of following a discussion you're interested in without contributing.

Back to your question - the answer you get will depend on who you're asking.

I'm not pretending to be an expert, but people trying to build muscle will aim to eat lots and lots of protein, often including supplements.

People who have kidney problems may well be on a diet that restricts protein.

There is research that suggests that eating too much protein raises something called IGF-1 that in turn raises your chances of getting cancer and is involved in the ageing process.

http://www.ecopolitan.com/healtheducation/free-articles/376-whey-too-much-protein

Personally I aim to eat about the amount that MFP suggests, most people in the First World are in no danger of protein deficiency and I believe that taking protein supplements is a bad idea.

Now I'm going to stand back & let "the others" argue it out.

The topic of too much protein has been debated for years. There was some thought at some point that too much protein could lead to kidney damage since excessive amounts of protein are not synthesized into your system but rather simply eliminated through urine and excess urination could lead to kidney damage. I believe almost all studies have debunked this theory, with the exception of anyone who might have underlying kidney and renal issues to begin with.

So that raises the question, what's the problem with too much protein? No real problem except that the body really can't synthesize excessive amounts efficiently and utilize it as we would like. but how much is excessive. That's the big question. I have seen some studies that indicate it isn't until you get upwards of 1.2-1.4g/pound of body weight per day. Some studies suggest even more. After that, it isn't doing any harm, it just might not be doing you any good either. You're just pissing it away. And given the cost of protein (for most of us, it's through meat, which ain't cheap), wasting it is silly.

I'm about 160 pounds and I am trying to keep my protein under 190 or 200 g per day. So unless you weigh 20 or 30 pounds, I wouldn't worry in the least bit about protein intakes of 60 or 80 grams.

Yes, too much protein is bad for you (in the sense that too much of anything is bad) But, generally, you aren't getting too much protein if you are eating at maintenance or in a calorie deficit. Assure you get enough protein and enough fats and you'll do fine.
80 gms is not near too much, not by far.

To the original poster - you are not getting too much protein. Red is fine. It means you've reached your goal.

It's been posted but for emphasis: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets