What health risk is associated with protein excess?

Excessive protein intake can lead to kidney problems, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, and one of these waste products is urea, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism. When there is a high intake of protein, the kidneys must work harder to eliminate the increased levels of urea and other nitrogenous wastes. This elevated workload can exacerbate existing kidney issues and may even lead to damage over time in healthy individuals if the protein intake remains significantly high. Additionally, a diet excessively high in protein often leads to a decrease in the consumption of other vital nutrients and food groups, which can further negatively impact kidney and overall health.

While the other options—stroke, heart disease, and obesity—are health risks associated with different nutritional imbalances or excessive intake of other macronutrients, the direct link to kidney problems specifically stands out with excess protein consumption.