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Can you eat too much protein?

I have recently started a food diary and notice that I am eating around 80-100g of protein per day; I understand the recommended amount for women is 45g per day. I am a fish-eating vegetarian and the majority of my protein comes from: fish (2-3 times per week), eggs (twice per week), cheese (3-4 times per week) and tofu/soy (4-5 times per week). Is eating too much protein a problem if other nutrition is balanced, i.e. not too many calories, fat, sodium etc?

Asked by: ruthsteel Posted: 22 months ago Comments: 0

While the Recommended Dietary Intake of protein for women aged 19-70 years is 46g per day, this assumes the woman in a healthy weight range and not trying to lose weight. It is based on an estimated need of 0.75g of protein per kg of body weight per day. You can calculate how much you need by multiplying your body weight by 0.75, which is a closer evaluation of your requirements.

It’s important to note that during rapid weight loss, to ensure you don’t lose excess muscle tissue, which is made from protein, your protein requirements can rise up to 1g per kg of body weight per day.

Eating more protein than you need is a waste because your body can’t store excess protein and will be forced to convert it into a nutrient that it can store, and this is as body fat.

Dr Clare Collins

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