Effect of short-term high-protein compared with normal-protein diets on renal hemodynamics and associated variables in healthy young men

Helga Frank, Julia Graf, Ulrike Amann-Gassner, Renate Bratke, Hannelore Daniel, Uwe Heemann, Hans Hauner

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54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: High-protein diets are effective for weight reduction; however, little is known about the potential adverse renal effects of such diets. Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the effect of a high-protein (HP) with a normal-protein (NP) diet on renal hemodynamics and selected clinical-chemical factors. Design: We prospectively studied the effect of an HP diet (2.4 g · kg-1 · d-1) with that of an NP diet (1.2 g · kg-1 · d-1) on the glomerular filtration rate (assessed on the basis of sinistrin-an inulin analog-clearance) and renal plasma flow (para-aminohippuric acid clearance) by using the constant infusion technique. Filtration fraction and renal vascular resistance were calculated. Twenty-four healthy young men followed the 2 diet protocols for 7 d each in a crossover design. They were individually advised by a dietitian to achieve the planned protein intake by selecting normal foods under isocaloric conditions. Serum and urinary variables and renal hemodynamics were measured on day 7 of both diets. Results: The glomerular filtration rate (NP: 125 ± 5 mL/min; HP: 141 ± 8 mL/min; P < 0.001) and filtration fraction (NP: 23 ± 5%; HP: 28 ± 5%; P < 0.05) increased significantly with the HP diet. Renal plasma flow was not significantly different between the HP (496 ± 25 mL/min) and NP (507 ± 18 mL/min) phases. Renal vascular resistance was not significantly different between the NP (94 ± 6 mm Hg · mL-1 · min-1) and HP (99 ± 8 mm Hg · mL-1 · min-1) phases. Blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, glucagon, natriuresis, urinary albumin, and urea excretion increased significantly with the HP diet. Conclusions: A short-term HP diet alters renal hemodynamics and renal excretion of uric acid, sodium, and albumin. More attention should be paid to the potential adverse renal effects of HP diets.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1509-1516
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume90
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2009

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