High-protein diet

A high-protein diet is a diet in which 40% or more of the total daily calories come from protein.^[1] Many high protein diets are high in saturated fat and restrict intake of carbohydrates.^[2]

High-protein diets are usually rich in meat, dairy products and eggs

Example foods in a high-protein diet include lean beef, chicken or poultry, pork, salmon and tuna, eggs, and soy.^[3] High-protein diets are often utilized in the context of fat loss and muscle building.^[4][5] High-protein fad diets, such as the Atkins diet and Protein Power, have been criticized for promoting misconceptions about carbohydrates, insulin resistance and ketosis.^[2][6]

Health effects

There is dispute among researchers about the efficacy and safety of various high-protein diets.

Efficiency

Increased protein consumption is shown to increase muscle mass, improve muscle adaptations to resistance training, and reduce muscle loss in periods of energy and nutrient deficit.^[4][7] High-protein low-calorie diets are often used in the setting of treating obesity.^[8] A high-protein diet does not significantly improve blood pressure and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.^[9]

Safety

In 2001, the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee issued a recommendation against some high-protein diets such as the Atkins diet and Protein Power.^[6] The committee noted potential health risks of these diets and how there are no long-term scientific studies to support their efficacy and safety.^[6]

A 2017 review indicated that a high-protein diet (superior to 1.5 g per kilogram of ideal body weight per day) may contribute to life-long risk of kidney damage, including progression of or potentially new onset chronic kidney disease.^[10][11] Though, a 2023 umbrella review found no evidence that higher protein intake (> 0.8 g/kg body weight/day) does specifically trigger CKD.^[12] According to the American Heart Association, high-protein diets that contain high amounts of saturated fat increase risk of coronary artery disease and cancer.^[6]

The following are examples of high-protein fad diets:^{[2][6][13][14]}

• Atkins diet
• Dukan Diet
• Montignac diet
• Protein Power
• Scarsdale diet
• Stillman diet
• Sugar Busters!
• Zone diet
• Protein-sparing modified fast (diet)

See also

• List of foods by protein content
• Bodybuilding supplement
• Dietary supplement
• Human nutrition
• List of diets
• Low-protein diet
• Nutrition