Is high Protein intake good or bad for the gut?
Dec
8
![paid license from dreamstime.](/userdata/3647/3642/202312081629180.jpeg)
![Located in Seat...](/userdata/3647/3642/202312250124461.jpeg)
For workout warriors who regularly condition their body at fitness centers all over the country, high protein drinks, bars, and other snacks are their food of choice.
But is it good for you? As so often is the case, it is ok in moderation. However, consuming excessive amounts of undigested proteins will encourage pathogens and protein-fermenting bacteria, increasing the risk of diseases, according to the National Institute of Health (1). Excessive intake of protein can affect the gut barrier and the immune system. Proteolytic fermentation generates toxic metabolites, which can lead to diseases.
Conversely, studies by Science Direct claim that the composition and activity of gut microbiota are profoundly dependent on the dietary intake of carbohydrates and proteins.
Dietary fiber intake generates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), suppressing proteolytic activity.
The microbial members of the gut utilize and compete for dietary and endogenous (non-dietary) proteins, which are used for energy production and biosynthesis (2).
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28215168/#:~:text=Supplying%20high%20and%20undigested%20proteins,regulating%20the%20secretion%20of%20metabolites.
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X21003271
But is it good for you? As so often is the case, it is ok in moderation. However, consuming excessive amounts of undigested proteins will encourage pathogens and protein-fermenting bacteria, increasing the risk of diseases, according to the National Institute of Health (1). Excessive intake of protein can affect the gut barrier and the immune system. Proteolytic fermentation generates toxic metabolites, which can lead to diseases.
Conversely, studies by Science Direct claim that the composition and activity of gut microbiota are profoundly dependent on the dietary intake of carbohydrates and proteins.
Dietary fiber intake generates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), suppressing proteolytic activity.
The microbial members of the gut utilize and compete for dietary and endogenous (non-dietary) proteins, which are used for energy production and biosynthesis (2).
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28215168/#:~:text=Supplying%20high%20and%20undigested%20proteins,regulating%20the%20secretion%20of%20metabolites.
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X21003271