High Protein Intake Linked with Kidney Function Decline

A cross-sectional analysis of 1522 men and women aged 45 to 64 years showed that each 1 g/day increment in protein intake was associated with a 4.7 mL/min/1.73 m² increment in eGFR. However, longitudinal analyses demonstrated that after 12 years of follow-up, each 1 g/day increment in protein intake was associated with a 4.1 mL/min/1.73 m² decline in eGFR and a 78% increased likelihood of having an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m². TheNephrology Dialysis Transplantation findings agree with studies demonstrating short-term GFR stimulation by protein intake but unfavorable effects of high protein intake in patients with CKD.