Health Experts Warn 200 Grams of Daily Protein Can Raise Gout, Kidney Stone Risks
Updated
Updated · GQ · Jun 9
Health Experts Warn 200 Grams of Daily Protein Can Raise Gout, Kidney Stone Risks
1 articles · Updated · GQ · Jun 9
Summary
Doctors and dietitians say “proteinmaxxing” can push uric acid high enough to trigger gout even in otherwise fit people, linking the trend to a broader rise in cases.
3.9% of U.S. adults—about 9.2 million people—had gout in 2016, and experts say heavy intake of purine-rich animal proteins such as red meat and some seafood is a key driver.
Excess protein can also contribute to kidney stones: uric acid stones are tied to high animal-protein intake and low hydration, while calcium oxalate stones may rise when protein-heavy diets crowd out calcium.
Halitosis is another reported effect, with excess protein producing ammonia on the breath and very low-carb, high-protein diets adding acetone from ketosis.
Experts advise keeping protein below 40% of calories, avoiding routinely exceeding 200 grams a day, drinking more water, and mixing animal with plant proteins.