A growing trend towards high-protein diets, popularized by social media influencers, is prompting concerns among medical experts about potential risks to kidney health. While protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and hormonal regulation, exceeding recommended intake levels may contribute to serious kidney damage in certain individuals.

In the United Kingdom, about 56 percent of consumers actively seek out protein-rich food and drink products, fueling a market expansion of protein supplements, including shakes, bars, and powders. Major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland have introduced product lines specifically marketed for their high protein content.

The National Health Service (NHS) advises adults to consume approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily—around 55 grams for the average man and 45 grams for the average woman. However, prominent figures like Dr. Peter Attia, who has over three million social media followers, advocate for intake levels upwards of 2 grams per kilogram per day, more than double current guidelines. Attia has criticized existing recommendations as insufficient, particularly for maintaining muscle mass in older adults.

Despite protein’s nutritional benefits, experts caution that a subset of the population may face heightened risks from sustained high-protein consumption. Dr. Carl May, a kidney specialist at the University of Bristol, notes that the kidneys process protein and endure considerable strain in the process. Although approximately 90 percent of individuals may not experience adverse effects, the remaining 10 percent, potentially carrying certain genetic mutations, could suffer kidney scarring and progressive damage that leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CKD is often referred to as a “silent killer” because symptoms—such as fatigue, swollen joints, itchy skin, and increased urination—typically do not emerge until significant organ failure has occurred. More than eight million people in the UK have kidney disease, though around half remain undiagnosed. The condition imposes a heavy cost on the healthcare system, with treatment expenses exceeding £1.4 billion annually.

Evidence indicates that continued high protein intake in patients with existing kidney disease increases the likelihood of requiring dialysis or transplant. A recent study from Israel found that kidney disease patients consuming slightly more protein than the UK average were about one-third more likely to experience progression to severe disease.

Individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable to kidney damage, conditions that have become more prevalent amid the nation’s obesity crisis. The number of kidney disease patients in the UK is projected to rise by 400,000 over the next decade.

Early detection can slow or halt disease progression. General practitioners can conduct eGFR blood tests to assess kidney function. Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, emphasizes that individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes should seek testing, given that over one million people may unknowingly have chronic kidney disease.

Medical professionals strongly recommend consulting a healthcare provider before adopting high-protein diets, especially for those with preexisting health concerns or risk factors for kidney disease.