What diets emphasize protein?

From the Guidelines

Diets that emphasize protein include the Atkins, Zone, Protein Power, Sugar Busters, and Stillman diets, which typically recommend high protein intake, often at the expense of carbohydrates [ 1 ].

Key Characteristics of High-Protein Diets

• The Atkins diet recommends a diet composition of 27% protein, 5% carbohydrates, and 68% fat [ 1 ]
• The Zone diet recommends a diet composition of 34% protein, 36% carbohydrates, and 29% fat [ 1 ]
• The Protein Power diet recommends a diet composition of 26% protein, 16% carbohydrates, and 54% fat [ 1 ]
• The Sugar Busters diet recommends a diet composition of 27% protein, 52% carbohydrates, and 21% fat [ 1 ]
• The Stillman diet recommends a diet composition of 64% protein, 3% carbohydrates, and 33% fat [ 1 ]

Recommendations for Protein Intake

• A daily protein intake of 0.8-1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight is suggested for healthy adults [ 1 ]
• Examples of high-protein foods include lean meats like chicken and fish, legumes, and low-fat dairy products
• It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet [ 1 ]

Important Considerations

• High-protein diets may have potential negative effects on kidney function and bone health [ 1 ]
• A balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of protein, along with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, is typically recommended [ 1 ]

From the Research

Diets that Emphasize Protein

• High-protein diets, such as Paleo, Atkins, South Beach, and ketogenic diets, have gained popularity for weight loss and to avoid excess carbohydrate consumption 2
• These diets are often characterized by high protein intake, which can be beneficial for weight loss, but may also have negative effects on kidney function, particularly in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 2, 3
• Some studies have found that high-protein diets can cause intraglomerular hypertension, leading to kidney hyperfiltration, glomerular injury, and proteinuria 3
• However, other studies have found that very low-calorie ketogenic diets, which are high in protein, can be effective and safe for weight loss in patients with obesity and mild kidney failure, when conducted under the supervision of healthcare professionals 4

Examples of High-Protein Diets

• Atkins diet: a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet that has been associated with weight loss, but also with adverse changes in blood and renal biomarkers 5
• Ketogenic diet: a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that has been shown to be effective for weight loss and improving metabolic parameters, but may also have negative effects on kidney function 2, 4
• Paleo diet: a diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, including high-protein foods such as meat, fish, and eggs, and has been associated with weight loss and improved metabolic parameters 2
• South Beach diet: a diet that emphasizes high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods, and has been associated with weight loss and improved metabolic parameters 2

Key Findings

• High-protein diets can be effective for weight loss, but may also have negative effects on kidney function, particularly in individuals with CKD 2, 3
• The quality of dietary protein may also play a role in kidney health, with animal protein potentially being more harmful than plant-based protein 3
• Very low-calorie ketogenic diets, which are high in protein, can be effective and safe for weight loss in patients with obesity and mild kidney failure, when conducted under the supervision of healthcare professionals 4
• Higher-protein diets may improve adiposity, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels, but these effects are small and need to be weighed against the potential for harms 6