The protein & fitness industry are earning big bucks on especially protein supplements. Teens, athletes, bodybuilders and adults in general tend to get their protein requirements from the same people who sell the protein products. This is a major conflict of interest. But is the huge amount of supplements which they sell even necessary?
It is not a secret that many people, especially athletes & body builders, are self-prescribing a huge amount of protein supplements. In their research to gain more weight, get in shape or get stronger they overlook the risks of using these supplements. The problem is mainly due to misguided beliefs in their performance-enhancing abilities.
Individuals who follow these diets are therefore at risk for an unhealthy future. Extra protein is not used efficiently by the body and may impose a metabolic burden on the bones, kidneys, and liver. Excess protein is metabolized by the liver and kidneys and excreted out of the body through the kidneys – it is not destined for the muscles. Studies also indicate that high levels of animal proteins promote increases in IGF-1. IGF-1 has been proven to make cancer cells grow.
Yes! Protein is necessary, but…
Protein is necessary for building all tissues in the body, including muscles. However, incorporation of protein into the muscles follows hard work, not “hard eating.”
Supplemental protein intake is unnecessary for most athletes as long as they consume a healthy diet containing complete protein foods, and it meets their energy needs. You have to understand this; the higher protein needs of athletes do not mean athletes need to eat foods more concentrated in protein (like more meat, poultry, fish, and eggs) – or take concentrated protein supplements. They simply need to eat more food. More of the food humans were designed to eat.
The World Health Organization recommends people consume about 0.5 grams (g) of protein per kilogram (Kg) (2.2 pounds) of body weight. Most dietitians say that about 0.8 g/Kg of protein for the “average” adult. For strength athletes, recommendations are for 1.2 g/Kg and for endurance athletes, 1.4 to 1.5 g/Kg.15-17. Increases above these levels do not enhance muscle mass or strength gains.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15145408/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045293/#B30
https://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2003nl/sep/030900puathletesarepeopletoo.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669325/
https://www.sportsmd.com/sports-nutrition/protein/protein-supplementation-athletes/