The Protein Supplement War

A heated debate has evolved between bodybuilders and scientists whether protein supplements are harmful or beneficial our bodies.  It has become experience versus science and finding the truth between the two debating parties  is very difficult. Protein is the most vital macronutrient because of its use for building and maintaining the structures within the body. Scientifically, protein builds lean muscle tissue, protects immune function, and aids in digestion. While both sides agree with these claims, they argue about the side effects of the sources of protein. Protein is essential and can be found in plentiful amounts in foods instead of supplements

The theory stating that whey protein is damaging your liver and kidneys comes from the idea that an increased amount of protein in the body can put so much stress on them while filtering the protein from blood that it can do damage or even lead to failure. Although this seems like a valid point, there has never been a study to show it is actually true. The theory itself is actually about any source of protein in excess amounts, not specifically whey protein. With no actual studies done to prove that protein powder is harmful to your liver and kidneys a side can’t be taken as the definite answer.

The second biggest theory for protein powder being harmful to us is the osteoporosis theory. Bones becoming brittle and weak, known as osteoporosis, can be a side effect from over consumption of protein supplements making our bodies too acidic. In theory when our body becomes too acidic it takes calcium to act as a buffer to return the body to its normal pH. With constant use of protein supplements enough calcium can be directed towards balancing out the pH of our body that our bones will start to get insufficient amounts of calcium and become brittle. There are no statistics to show this is true though. All the theories about the harmful effects protein powders can have are  base on theories that too much protein from any source is bad. While anyone can take this side, there is no factual backing to it.

The theories surrounding protein powder being good for us provide no studies or statistics either but do have the evidence through experience to show beneficial qualities.  Supporters of protein powders claim that the liver and kidneys will actually adapt to the increase of protein in our body. The support they have given is that there has never been recorded evidence of liver or kidney damage. There have been studies showing in protein consumption can cause bone injuries to recover quicker, which contradicts the theory that osteoporosis is a result of over consumption of protein powder.

The scientific side claims that on average the human body needs only 50 grams of protein daily and an athlete can consume up to 75 grams daily. Any more than that can have negative side effects. The athletes’ and lifters’ views of protein say that they need up to a gram of protein per pound of body weight. This is not only more specific than the scientific side but also means that a 190lb man needs 190 grams of protein a substantial amount more than the proposed 50 grams. There have actually been studies done to show the benefits in lean muscle growth with a control showing that people taking in 1g/lb of body weight acquired more muscle gains, and a higher fat metabolizing rate. The myth of over using protein can be put to rest if not for the fact that there are still no studies in the harmful effect category.

There are no statistics confirming increased filtration from protein powder causes liver and kidney damage or that osteoporosis can be a result of too much protein. The opposing view of protein supplements only having positive effects carries no backing either because of a lack of studies. At the current time one would presume to believe the positive results when looking at the people who use and support supplements yet these people are uninformed and can be taking too much and harming themselves if the scientific views are true. Anyone can pick a side in this and support it fully but until there are controlled studies done neither side’s effects can be proven.

Work Cited

Nall, Rachel. “How Many Grams of Protein Can Your Body Absorb in One Sitting?”LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 09 Apr. 2014.

Wilson, Cy. “The Protein Conspiracy.” TESTOSTERONE NATION | Figure Athletes. 1998 — 2000 Testosterone, LLC., 15 June 2000. Web. 13 Apr. 2014.

Etcheverry, Paz, Ph.D. “Protein Supplements: The Good, The Bad, and & The Ugly….”KAPLAN UNIVERSITY: Protein Supplements: The Good, The Bad, and & The Ugly…. 2011 Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014.