What Happens If You Take Too Much Protein

Q: What happens if you take too much protein?Is it bad and if yes why?

A: You will just pee it out. Contrary to the popular old wives tales, too much protein does NOT damage healthy kidneys and does NOT leach calcium from bones. It can put additional strain on kidneys that are already unhealthy, but there's no evidence that it damages healthy kidneys. You should drink more water when on high-protein diets to help your kidneys flush the extra protein out easier.

References:
Dawson-Hughes, B., S.S. Harris, H. Rasmussen, L. Song, and G. E. Dallal. Effects of dietary protein supplements on calcium excretion in healthy older men and women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 89:1169-1173. 2004.

Poortmans, J.R., and O. Dellalieux. Do regular high protein diets have potential high risks on kidney function in atheletes? International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 10:28-38. 2000.