Influence of high-protein diets on renal function
Dougherty, J.C.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 63(4): 392-396
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 4200836 Document Number: 64550
There is ample evidence that high-protein diets improve renal function in animals, as measured by maximal concentrating ability, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Results from studies in man are less conclusive. High-protein diets improve urinary concentrating ability; improvements in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate have been demonstrated but changes, although statistically significant, were neither large nor invariable. In man there is no evidence that high-protein diets cause renal disease or impair renal function, except when there is associated water deprivation. The beneficial effects of protein on renal function in normal subjects must not be used as a basis for diet therapy in patients with renal disease. In this group, low-protein diets containing proteins of high biological value are the treatment of choice.