Table 1

Protein-related statements in educational materials [2]

"Overconsumption of protein offers no benefits and may pose health risks. High protein diets have been implicated in several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity and kidney stones..."

"This section briefly describes the relationships between protein intake and bone loss. When protein intake is high calcium excretion rises."

"...people take these [protein] supplements for many different reasons, all of them unfounded... Like many other magic solutions to health problems, protein and amino acid supplements don't work these miracles [and] may be harmful."

"Normal, healthy people never need protein or amino acid supplements."

"Muscle work builds muscle; [protein] supplements do not..."

"Overconsumption of protein offers no benefits and may pose health risks."

"Excesses of protein offer no advantage; in fact, overconsumption of protein-rich foods may incur health problems as well."

"Athletes are not only pumping iron these days, they're also pumping protein supplements in hopes of building muscles..."

"If excess protein means excess calories, this adds weight as fat, not muscle"

"Purified protein supplements can contribute to calcium losses and therefore harm bone health."

"High protein diets have been implicated in the development of weak bones, kidney stones, cancer, heart disease and obesity."

"Diets very high in protein result in death after several weeks."

"Because information on the effects of high-protein intakes is limited, people are cautioned not to consume high levels of protein from foods or supplements."

"...intended to protect student-athlete well being..." and "A permissible supplement can contain no more than 30 percent of its calories from protein"; Other language in document: "protect", "warning", "potentially harmful", "risk", "concoction"

"Studies present conflicting data as to whether or not animal protein, as contrasted to plant protein, decreases bone density with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures."

"Taking large amounts of these supplements can lead to dehydration, loss of urinary calcium, weight gain, and kidney and liver stress."

"In fact, protein consumed in excess of what the body needs will be converted to fat."

"Also of concern is that excessive protein consumption can cause dehydration and place added stress on the kidneys and liver."

"There are a number of problems associated with excessive meat and protein consumption."

"The more protein you eat, the more calcium is excreted; this can compromise bone health."

"High protein diets also stress the kidneys, and may cause diarrhea and worsen dehydration."

"Excess protein in the diet is usually turned into fat, not muscle."

Lowery and Devia Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2009 6:3 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-6-3