ROME, ITALY. Italian researchers have just released a study linking excess protein consumption to the creation of an acid environment in the body and possible subsequent disease and bodily deterioration. In a clinical study involving 100 patients the researchers found that a high protein intake (>30 grams/day) produces an acidic urine. They also found that the body, in its attempt to neutralize the acid environment created by the protein, first depleted sodium reserves. It then used ammonia as a neutralizing agent followed by calcium, presumably pulled from the bones and leading to osteoporosis. Other studies have shown that omnivorous women lost 35 per cent of their bone mass over a 15-year period following menopause as compared to lacto-ovo vegetarians who only lost 18 per cent. The researchers point out that vegetables and fruits usually produce an alkaline body environment because of their high content of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Meats, fish, grains and eggs, on the other hand, acidify the body because they leave an acid ash of nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride and sulfur. The researchers conclude that a diet high in animal protein causes acidosis and stress to the body resulting in cellular congestion and a general slowdown in body functions. They recommend a daily protein intake of no more than 20 grams/day (3 oz beef sirloin steak) with 30 grams/day being the maximum acceptable intake.
Morter, Jr., M.T. and Panfili, Adolfo. The body's negative response to excess dietary protein consumption. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 13, No. 2, Second Quarter 1998, pp. 89-94