My research paper will be focusing on the claims protein supplements make and the harmful effects they can actually have on the human body. Protein is essential for our bodies and needed for muscle growth and recovery.  Recent studies have led us to believe that the average person does not require the protein supplements they are taking daily. Research has shown that the average person is taking in too much protein because of these supplements which can lead too much can actually cause liver damage, dehydration and other harmful side effects. I hope to elaborate on how these supplements can be bad and the effects they can have on us.

With most of the country, if not world, on a health craze the supplement industry is making billions in sales off of selling things like protein. Most average people take protein supplements in large doses in hopes to get bigger and recover quicker without knowing any possible effects. These actions are both unnecessary and harmful.

1.“Protein Supplements: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly…”

Background: This article makes claims for both the benefits of protein powder along with the harmful effects they may have. It states the good, the bad, and the ugly truth behind the supplement. It makes claims for the positive effects of protein and protein supplements, but continues on to say that supplement companies do not have to register their supplements leading to false information. This can lead to contaminants in the supplement that can harm you. For the ugly it focuses on the possibility of a buildup of ketones bodies leading to harmful effects on the body.

How I Will Use It: This articles shows not only the bad side of protein supplements but the good also. This allows me to compare the two and make arguments to support my side. It also states a specific harmful effect proven to occur with an over consumption of protein. I will use the build up of ketones as an argument point.

2. “Protein Supplement Myth Revealed by Body of Work”

Background: This article takes a stance against the use of protein arguing it is unnecessary. The article gives sources to support that the average person is taking protein supplements when it is unnecessary because their diet already accounts for all their protein needs. Medical researchers advise against  average people taking supplements yet athletes are being told to take them religiously.

How I Will Use It: this article criticies the use of protein because it is unnecessary for most people. I will use this to support the fact that taking too much protein can have harmful effects on the body. It also has calculations that can aid me in determining how much protein powder is too much.

3. “Rethinking Protein Powder”

Background: This articles discusses the use of protein for average non active people compared to dedicated weightlifters, bodybuilders, fitness models, and athletes. It shows studies done by sports science journals and opinions from sought after nutritionists. It has accounts on both sides arguing the good and bad of using protein supplements as well as the DRI and the needs of different people.

How I Will Use It: I intend to use this article to show the active debate on protein use and come to a conclusion over which one is true. The side of science has the math for protein intake but the athletes and lifters have experience in what they do.  Is protein necessary or not is the question here.

4.“Does Protein Powder Do Anything Bad To Your Body”

Background: This article states the basic uses of protein powder and who would use it. It then elaborates on some of the harmful effects it can have such as dehydration, kidney problems, and osteoporosis. When too much protein is taken in an increased amount of uric acid can build up and put strain on your kidneys causing harm to them. The extra water needed to get rid of the protein byproducts can leave you dehydrated.

How I will Use this:  I intend to use this to support the harmful effects of taking protein powder such as dehydration, osteoporosis, and kidney issues. I will look more into each of these as the three major harmful effects of protein powder.

 5. “Dieticians say extra protein can do more harm than good”

Background: This article goes into personal accounts from consumers and users of protein supplements, their opinions, and professional opinions. It also gives DMAA warnings in which you should follow to stay safe using supplements.

How I will Use this: I will use the article’s accounts from users of protein supplements along with sources sighting warnings for protein supplements to aid in my argument for protein being harmful.. I can use these accounts from users to look for more accounts like them.