Too much protein and calcium?

annie_p
annie_p Posts: 319 Member
edited September 22 in Food and Nutrition
Is it really possible to have to much calcium? Especially for a woman??...and if it is, is it bad?

As for the protein, I can't seem to stay under on it. I usually don't go over by much (today I think I'll be over by 3) but is it really that bad? I'm pretty sure I asked before, but not 100% sure.

Replies

  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    If you are excessively over on them it can cause kidney stones. If you are over occasionally, though, I wouldn't worry about it.
  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
    If you are excessively over on them it can cause kidney stones. If you are over occasionally, though, I wouldn't worry about it.

    That's referring to calcium, right? The OP asked about both protein and calcium.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    If you are excessively over on them it can cause kidney stones. If you are over occasionally, though, I wouldn't worry about it.

    That's referring to calcium, right? The OP asked about both protein and calcium.

    Thats referring to both. Protein is really rough on the kidneys because the nitrogen from the protein has to be removed in the liver and then sent to the kidneys to be eliminated. When you factor extra work from extra protein and extra calcium in the way, boom, kidney stones. That's part of why diabetics have such a hard time with kidney stones.
  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
    If you are excessively over on them it can cause kidney stones. If you are over occasionally, though, I wouldn't worry about it.

    That's referring to calcium, right? The OP asked about both protein and calcium.

    Thats referring to both. Protein is really rough on the kidneys because the nitrogen from the protein has to be removed in the liver and then sent to the kidneys to be eliminated. When you factor extra work from extra protein and extra calcium in the way, boom, kidney stones. That's part of why diabetics have such a hard time with kidney stones.

    It may be what you meant by "excessively over" - but it's my understanding that MFP's default protein levels (15% of calories) are pretty darn low and that you would have to consume a VERY high amount of protein regularly (assuming you have healthy organ functioning) to cause any real problems. The OP said she was only over by 3 today - I wouldn't even bat an eyelash at that overage.
  • annie_p
    annie_p Posts: 319 Member
    I am routinely over on my protein and calcium, but never by much. I think I had read about the Kidney stones before. It's definitely hard NOT to eat more that my allowed protein.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Sorry I was in a hurry and just said excessively over and didn't realize how vague I was. I mean people on high protein diets who go over are the number one population of people at risk for going over. Hence the reason a lot of diabetics have those issues because they replace carbs with protein and get the majority of their calories from protein. Anyone who is predisposed to kidney issues (and they may or may not know it) can have these issues at a lower protein intake too, though. Someone who is prone to kidney stones may see an improvement by cutting down on protein and calcium. I have a very dear friend who is diabetic and has issues with kidney stones and we've had to really work to find the right balance for her to keep from having issues. For the average person being over the range that MFP gives won't cause those problems, but there are people who can have those issues even being under the recommendations on MFP. Unfortunately, we don't ask for a full medical history when replying to these posts, so I can't tell who may or may not be at risk. So I stated the major risk. I should have probably thought out my answer better.

    Anyway, a few grams here and there over isn't a big deal, but if you notice you start to have problems you may want to cut back and see a doctor.
  • annie_p
    annie_p Posts: 319 Member
    Sorry I was in a hurry and just said excessively over and didn't realize how vague I was. I mean people on high protein diets who go over are the number one population of people at risk for going over. Hence the reason a lot of diabetics have those issues because they replace carbs with protein and get the majority of their calories from protein. Anyone who is predisposed to kidney issues (and they may or may not know it) can have these issues at a lower protein intake too, though. Someone who is prone to kidney stones may see an improvement by cutting down on protein and calcium. I have a very dear friend who is diabetic and has issues with kidney stones and we've had to really work to find the right balance for her to keep from having issues. For the average person being over the range that MFP gives won't cause those problems, but there are people who can have those issues even being under the recommendations on MFP. Unfortunately, we don't ask for a full medical history when replying to these posts, so I can't tell who may or may not be at risk. So I stated the major risk. I should have probably thought out my answer better.

    Anyway, a few grams here and there over isn't a big deal, but if you notice you start to have problems you may want to cut back and see a doctor.

    Thanks! I know I've had family members who have Kidney Problems so I should probably watch just to be safe. So far so good today. Not sure if you can answer, but do you know if Kidney Stones are a hereditary problem?
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    Yes, they can be hereditary. Another thing to think about to, though, is that if you are going with the standard recommendation on here you may still be at the low end of the zone for the IOM range of protein, which is 10-35% of total calorie intake. Check your goals page to see what % it has you at for protein. If it is less then 35% and you are only going a few grams over, I would say you are probably okay unless you start to have symptoms. Some people can have issues with lower doses, but the 10-35% is the ideal for 97% of the population according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Food and Nutrition Board.
  • TateFTW
    TateFTW Posts: 658 Member
    The protein percentage setting here is extremely low. If you're eating a somewhat balanced diet and not pounding chicken and steak all day, you aren't eating too much protein. Mine is set at 30% and I still usually go over.

    If you have more questions about protein, check out the link in my signature.
  • psychicreader80
    psychicreader80 Posts: 43
    Heres an article on it.

    http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Side_Effects_of_Too_Much_Protein_in_the_Diet
  • vickthedick
    vickthedick Posts: 136 Member
    If you are excessively over on them it can cause kidney stones. If you are over occasionally, though, I wouldn't worry about it.

    That's referring to calcium, right? The OP asked about both protein and calcium.

    Thats referring to both. Protein is really rough on the kidneys because the nitrogen from the protein has to be removed in the liver and then sent to the kidneys to be eliminated. When you factor extra work from extra protein and extra calcium in the way, boom, kidney stones. That's part of why diabetics have such a hard time with kidney stones.

    It may be what you meant by "excessively over" - but it's my understanding that MFP's default protein levels (15% of calories) are pretty darn low and that you would have to consume a VERY high amount of protein regularly (assuming you have healthy organ functioning) to cause any real problems. The OP said she was only over by 3 today - I wouldn't even bat an eyelash at that overage.

    MFP makes the protein goal rather low. I read from some fitness sites that as much as one gram per lb of body weight is best if you are exercising. But even at 130 and trying I never come close to getting130. I think in order to over do it you would really have to really put your mind to it. 3 grams over the MFP protein goal is discountable for sure
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