From the Guidelines
Hyperproteinemia is typically caused by conditions that increase protein production, such as multiple myeloma, or by dehydration, which concentrates proteins in the bloodstream. Common causes of hyperproteinemia include dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake; infections or inflammatory conditions that trigger increased production of antibodies; certain cancers like multiple myeloma that cause overproduction of immunoglobulins; and liver or kidney diseases that affect protein metabolism and filtration 1. According to the International Myeloma Working Group, patients with a serum M-protein ≥ 3 g/dL and/or a proportion of bone marrow clonal plasma cells ≥ 10% with skeletal involvement, anemia, renal insufficiency, hypercalcemia, or recurrent bacterial infections attributable to a plasma-cell proliferative disorder have symptomatic myeloma 1.
Key Causes of Hyperproteinemia
- Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake
- Infections or inflammatory conditions that trigger increased production of antibodies
- Certain cancers like multiple myeloma that cause overproduction of immunoglobulins
- Liver or kidney diseases that affect protein metabolism and filtration
Management of Hyperproteinemia
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition. For dehydration, increasing fluid intake is recommended. For infections, appropriate antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. Cancer-related hyperproteinemia requires specific cancer treatments, while liver or kidney disease management depends on the specific condition. High blood protein itself isn't typically treated but serves as an important diagnostic clue to underlying health issues. Regular blood tests can monitor protein levels, especially in those with chronic conditions affecting protein metabolism.
Dietary Considerations
While dietary protein intake is important, excessive protein consumption is not recommended, as it can impose a metabolic burden on the kidneys and liver 1. A balanced diet with moderate protein intake, along with adequate carbohydrate and fat consumption, is essential for overall nutritional adequacy. The recommended daily allowance for protein is 0.8 g/kg or 0.36 g/lb of body weight, and total protein intake should not exceed 100 g/d 1.
From the Research
Causes of Hyperproteinemia
- High-protein diets, such as those exceeding 1.4 g/kg body weight per day, may contribute to elevated protein levels in the blood, particularly in individuals with impaired kidney function 2
- Chronic high protein intake (>2 g per kg body weight per day for adults) may result in digestive, renal, and vascular abnormalities, including hyperproteinemia 3
- The quality of dietary protein may also play a role in kidney health, with animal protein potentially increasing the risk of kidney damage and hyperproteinemia compared to plant-based protein sources 4, 5
Kidney Function and Hyperproteinemia
- Impaired kidney function may lead to hyperproteinemia due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter and remove excess protein from the blood 2, 4, 5
- High dietary protein intake can cause intraglomerular hypertension, leading to kidney hyperfiltration, glomerular injury, and proteinuria, which may contribute to hyperproteinemia 5
Dietary Protein Intake and Hyperproteinemia
- A high dietary protein intake, particularly from animal sources, may increase the risk of hyperproteinemia, while a low dietary protein intake may be associated with higher mortality in individuals with normal kidney function 2, 3
- The effects of increasing dietary protein on fluid status and hydration indexes are minimal, but high protein intake may lead to increased blood urea nitrogen and urine-specific gravity 6