A high-protein diet is an eating pattern supplying protein above the long-standing minimum, mainly to support muscle and healthy aging. It most consistently adds to strength-training muscle gains and helps preserve muscle during weight loss. Healthy kidneys appear to tolerate it; reduced kidney function carries a credible risk of faster decline. Meat-heavy intake is linked to more diabetes. For strength-training adults with normal kidney function, evidence leans toward benefit. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| eGFR (creatinine and cystatin C) | 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher | Safety check: decline changes or stops use |
| Urine ACR | Below 30 mg/g | Safety check: rise signals kidney damage |
| BUN | 7–20 mg/dL | Rises with intake, confirming adherence |
| Uric acid | 3.5–7.2 mg/dL | Safety check: rise raises gout and stone risk |
| Fasting triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL | Expected change: may fall |
| HbA1c | 4.0–5.6% | Safety check: rise flags diabetes risk |
| IGF-1 | No established target; track change from own baseline | Expected change: protein raises it |
| Lean mass (DEXA) | No established target; track change from own baseline | Expected change: rises or is preserved |
| 24-hour urine calcium (stone formers) | 100–300 mg/day | Safety check: rise raises stone risk |
Cadence: Baseline before raising intake; kidney markers, uric acid and triglycerides 8–12 weeks after reaching the target intake, then every 6–12 months; DEXA every 6–12 months; HbA1c annually. A confirmed eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m², rising albuminuria or a new stone prompts repeat testing within 3 months.