Milly Gaines
A protein restriction diet involves reducing protein intake, typically to 4–8% of daily calories, or 20–50 grams of protein per day. This type of diet is often used to treat specific health conditions, such as impaired liver function, kidney disease, or genetic disorders that interfere with protein metabolism, like phenylketonuria and homocystinuria. Protein restriction can reduce the workload on the liver and kidneys, improve protein metabolism, and prevent a buildup of urea in the blood, which can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in mental status. Recent studies also suggest that protein restriction may offer health benefits to the general population, including increased lifespan, improved metabolic parameters, and reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. However, it's important to note that excessive protein restriction can lead to malnutrition and adverse effects on bone health and muscle mass.
Why are people on a protein-restricted diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health conditions | Inherited metabolic disorders, such as phenylketonuria and homocystinuria, kidney or liver disease, acute encephalopathy, acute hepatic failure |
| Reduce risk | Type 2 diabetes, heart failure, bone fractures |
| Improve health markers | Reduce adiposity, improve insulin sensitivity, enhance metabolic parameters, increase lifespan, improve kidney function, enhance muscle power and physical performance |
| Reduce symptoms | Proteinuria, nitrogenous load, ammonia production, absorption and subsequent HE |
| Prevent | Malnutrition, obesity, chronic disease |
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What You'll Learn
To treat kidney or liver disease
People with liver disease may need to follow a protein-restricted diet because the liver plays a crucial role in metabolising proteins. When the liver is damaged, proteins are not processed properly, and waste products can build up and affect the brain. A protein-restricted diet can help limit the buildup of these toxic waste products. Additionally, liver disease can affect the absorption of food and the production of vitamins, so a restricted diet can help manage weight, appetite, and vitamin levels.
The amount of protein restriction required depends on the severity of liver damage. While some sources recommend a daily intake of about 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, others suggest that people with liver disease should not limit their protein intake too much, as it can result in a lack of certain amino acids. It is important for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of protein for their specific condition.
For those with liver disease, it is generally recommended to increase the consumption of carbohydrates, which should be the major source of calories in the diet. A moderate intake of fat, as prescribed by a healthcare provider, can also help prevent protein breakdown in the liver. It is also suggested to look for non-meat protein sources, such as beans, tofu, and dairy products, as plant proteins can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.
Additionally, vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins, may be recommended since many people with liver disease are deficient in vitamin D. Limiting sodium intake is also important for those with liver disease to reduce fluid retention. However, sodium restrictions have been debated due to their potential impact on food palatability, which could lead to decreased food intake and possibly contribute to malnutrition.
Regarding kidney health, there is evidence that a high-protein diet may lead to worsening renal function in individuals with impaired kidney function and possibly even in those without any known kidney issues. High protein intake can result in higher levels of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the body, putting additional stress on the kidneys. This can be particularly harmful to those with limited kidney function or those at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), including diabetic and obese individuals.
For people with kidney disease, a diet lower in protein is often recommended to reduce the workload on the kidneys and slow down their deterioration. The exact amount of protein restriction needed depends on an individual's body size, nutritional status, and specific kidney problem. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a kidney dietitian to determine the appropriate amount and type of protein to consume. While plant-based proteins are recommended, it is important to note that they may be low in certain essential amino acids, so a varied diet is necessary to meet protein needs.
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To reduce the risk of chronic disease
While protein is vital to health, a low-protein diet can be therapeutic for people with specific conditions. A low-protein diet typically constitutes 4–8% of an individual's daily calories, which is about 20–50 grams of protein per day. In comparison, the average person is generally recommended to get at least 10–15% of their daily calories from protein.
A protein restriction diet is often used to treat kidney or liver disease, or disorders that interfere with protein metabolism, such as phenylketonuria and homocystinuria. This is because decreasing protein intake can ease the workload of the liver and kidneys, improve protein metabolism, and prevent a buildup of urea in the bloodstream. High levels of urea in the blood can cause symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in mental status.
Protein restriction can also be beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic disease. Recent studies suggest that reducing the ratio of protein intake to macronutrients improves metabolic parameters and extends lifespan. Diets high in the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are associated with diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic illnesses. Conversely, diets low in BCAAs can counter these metabolic ailments and extend the healthy lifespan of rodents. Restricting BCAAs appears to encourage faster metabolisms and healthier blood sugar control.
However, it is important to note that low-protein diets can also lead to malnutrition and protein deficiency, which can have adverse health effects. For example, a lack of protein can cause a loss of muscle mass, cutting strength and balance, and slowing metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, causing fatigue, and changes in neurotransmitters, potentially leading to feelings of depression or aggression. Therefore, while a low-protein diet may offer protection from chronic disease, it is important to ensure adequate protein intake to maintain overall health.
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To improve metabolic health
Protein restriction diets are often recommended to help treat certain health conditions. For instance, dietary protein restriction can reduce proteinuria in patients with CKD, and it can also be used to treat kidney or liver disease. Protein restriction can also be necessary for people with genetic disorders that affect protein metabolism, such as homocystinuria and phenylketonuria.
Protein restriction diets have been shown to improve metabolic health. In fact, clinical evidence suggests that protein restriction improves several markers of metabolic health, such as reducing adiposity and improving insulin sensitivity. This is especially important given the rising number of patients with CKD worldwide.
Protein restriction diets can also promote leanness, decrease blood sugar, and increase insulin sensitivity. These diets have been shown to rapidly reduce fat and restore normal insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. In addition, restricting the consumption of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine is sufficient to promote leanness and improve the regulation of blood glucose.
Research has also shown that an increased intake of isoleucine is associated with a higher body mass index. Diets high in BCAAs are associated with diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic illnesses. On the other hand, diets low in BCAAs can counter these metabolic ailments and even extend the healthy lifespan of rodents.
However, it is important to note that low-protein diets can also lead to malnutrition and protein deficiency, which can have negative health consequences such as muscle loss, anemia, and depression. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor and adjust protein intake to avoid these adverse effects.
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To lose weight
A protein-restricted diet is often used for weight loss. A high-protein diet is highly satiating, leading to reduced hunger and appetite compared to lower-protein diets. This makes it easier to restrict calories. Protein works on both sides of the “calories in versus calories out” equation. Eating more protein may make it easier to naturally reduce the number of calories consumed while increasing the number of calories burned.
Several clinical trials have found that consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets. Long-term clinical trials of 6–12 months reported that a high-protein diet (HPD) provides weight-loss effects and can prevent weight regain after weight loss. HPD has not been reported to have adverse effects on health in terms of bone density or renal function in healthy adults.
However, it is important to note that a high-protein, calorie-restricted diet alone may not be suitable as a long-term solution. A 2017 study found that while protein consumption does increase satiety during controlled dieting, it does not consistently lead to reduced carbohydrate and fat intake when people are allowed to eat as they see fit. The best diet for weight loss is one that a person can follow consistently while maintaining adequate nutrition in a calorie deficit.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with a high-protein diet. While a low-protein diet is generally only recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any new diet plan. They can help develop a plan that is safe and suitable for your individual needs and goals.
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To treat protein metabolism disorders
A protein restriction diet is often recommended to help treat certain health conditions, including impaired liver function, kidney disease, and disorders that interfere with protein metabolism.
Protein restriction can be beneficial for people with liver disease or impaired kidney function as it helps to improve protein metabolism and prevents a buildup of urea in the bloodstream. High levels of urea in the blood can cause symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in mental status.
Protein restriction is also necessary for those with genetic disorders that affect protein metabolism, such as homocystinuria and phenylketonuria. These disorders impair the breakdown of specific amino acids, so reducing protein intake can help minimize symptoms.
In addition to treating specific health conditions, some research suggests that low-protein diets may offer health benefits for the general population. For example, restricted protein intake in middle-aged adults has been associated with increased life expectancy and reduced risks of chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
However, it is important to note that a low-protein diet requires careful planning to prevent health issues and nutritional deficiencies. It should only be done under medical supervision, and it is crucial to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting this type of diet.
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Frequently asked questions
People may be on a protein-restricted diet to help treat certain health conditions, such as impaired liver function, kidney disease, or genetic disorders that affect protein metabolism.
Some health conditions that may require a low-protein diet include impaired liver function, kidney disease, and genetic disorders that affect protein metabolism, such as phenylketonuria and homocystinuria.
A low-protein diet can ease the workload of the liver and kidneys by improving protein metabolism and preventing a buildup of urea in the bloodstream.
Some research suggests that a low-protein diet may offer health benefits for the general population, including increased longevity, improved metabolic health, and protection from chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Some signs of protein deficiency include swelling (edema), especially in the abdomen, legs, feet, and hands, as well as fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in mental status. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, strength, and balance and overall metabolic health.
