The potensial effects of high protein diet on renal function in body builders in Erbil city

Background: The Kidneys are known for their critical role in waste filtration and urine production, an important role of the kidney in the protein metabolism including breakdown and excretion of protein, excessive protein intake can impose significant stress on the kidneys, potentially leading to various complications. Aim: aim of this study is to identify any possible health risks associated with consuming high protein diet. Persons and methods: This study was cross – sectional study comprised (40) healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 48 participated. The participants were classified by two types of classification: according to protein intake per day and by duration of protein intake. (10) people were assigned to the control group, (18) athletes who consumed less than 200 grams of protein per day were assigned to the low-protein diet group, and (12) athletes who consumed more than 200 grams of protein per day were assigned to the high-protein diet group. According to duration of protein intake participants were divided into three groups: seventeen (17) participants less than five years, seven (7) participants between five to ten, and (6) participants more than 10 years of duration. Result: It is clearly demonstrated statistically significant differences in mean of age (p = 0.003), blood urea (p = 0.007), serum creatinine (p < 0.001), Urinary Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (p < 0.001) and Urinary Protein to Creatinine Ratio (p < 0.001) between the control group and the entire athletic (<200 g/day and ≥200 g/day) groups. A highly significant differences between the means of Urinary Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR) and Urinary Protein to Creatinine Ratio (PCR) between the three duration of protein intake (<5, 5–10 and > 10 years) groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of moderation in protein intake to maintain optimal renal health. While protein is a vital nutrient, excessive and prolong consumption, particularly in the context of a high-protein diet, may pose risks to kidney function.