Study suggests protein intake linked to heart attack and stroke in normal people.
By admin
Published: August 20, 2009
Most patients with chronic kidney disease will be referred to a dietician as part of their management. The standard of care has been to provide a normal protein diet of about 0.80 grams protein per kg of body weight. However some researchers believe that dietary protein intake be restricted even further as some studies suggested that decreased dietary protein intake would prolong the survival of the kidney in chronic kidney disease.
But is there an effect of higher protein intake on cardiovascular disease as well. The current study analyzed data from 8461 individuals and followed these people who incidentally did not have renal disease for about 6.4 years. The daily protein intake was scientifically measured based on the amount of protein breakdown products produced in the urine (this is one of the most accurate means of determining the actual protein intake of a patient). The data was then compared to determine if there was any relationship between protein intake and cardiovascular disease and renal function.
The study demonstrated that protein intake was associated with cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) but not associated with worsening of kidney disease.
The conclusion therefore is that in the general population high protein intake, such as promoted by many weight loss systems may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, but does not increase your risk for kidney disease.
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About Roger: Dr. Roger Smith is a nephrologist currently employed to the government of Jamaica. He is the Nephrologist in charge of Spanish Town Dialysis Unit. His interests are lupus nephritis and other glomerulopathies. He was previously a lecturer in Nephrology at the University of the West Indies in the Department of Internal Medicine and Coordinator of the Urogenital Module before moving into private and government practice. |
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