Is it true that eating a high-protein diet has a negative impact on bone health?

For a while, a study was often referenced that showed a correlation between people who ate a high protein diet (more than 0.8 grams for 1 kg of body weight) and a loss of calcium.  This contributed to a widely dissipated myth that consuming high levels of Protein is somehow harmful to your Bone’s density.This study was misinterpreted in making the correlation that a loss of Calcium was the result of eating too much Protein, and wrongly suggested a decrease in bone density.  This study was misinterpreted in making the correlation that a loss of Calcium was the result of eating too much Protein, and wrongly suggested a decrease in bone density.

However, a newer study could not find evidence that a reduction of Calcium was a result of consuming too much Protein. To the contrary, this study found that high intakes of Protein in the long-term increased bone density, especially in an older population.  The “dangers” of protein are a persistent myth.  Some say that a high protein intake can “leach” calcium from bones and cause osteoporosis, or that protein can destroy your kidneys.

However, there really isn’t any evidence to support these claims associated with a High Protein Diet. Proteins are the building blocks of life and every living cell uses them for both structural and functional purposes. They are long chains of amino acids linked together like beads on a string, then folded into complex shapes. There are 9 essential amino acids that we must get from the diet and 12 that are non-essential, which the body can produce out of other organic molecules.

The quality of a protein source depends on its amino acid profile. John’s Killer Protein is formulated to be the best source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids in the ideal ratios.

But how much Protein is an adequate amount? We’ve developed a powerful Protein Calculator you can use to figure out exactly how much Protein you need per day.  All fully customizable based on your unique input, fitness activities, and overall goals!