Abusive and chronic use of whey protein and the risk for the development of urinary stones

• Grant number: 22/15034-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Oscar Eduardo Hidetoshi Fugita
• Grantee: Oscar Eduardo Hidetoshi Fugita
• Host Institution: Hospital Universitário (HU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: João Luiz Amaro
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/13747-9 - Abusive and chronic use of Whey Protein and the risk for the development of urinary stones, BP.TT

Abstract

The benefits of using whey protein are well known. The reference for daily protein intake in the adult population is 0.8g/kg of body weight. Practitioners of physical activity need greater protein intake. The abusive and chronic use of protein supplements by athletes and physical activity practitioners can lead to deleterious effects for the kidneys. Studies in animal and human models have shown renal alterations associated with the consumption of high-protein diets, such as decreased urinary pH, hypocitraturia and hypercalcemia, which can increase the risk of urinary stones. A better understanding of the effects of chronic use of high doses of Whey Protein on the development of risk factors for urinary stones may have an impact on the orientation of Whey Protein users, on healthcare costs and on the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Unfortunately, there are no published studies that provide this information. The objective of this project is to compare a group of patients who use Whey Protein, in high doses and for a long time, with a group of patients who do not use protein supplements, and to determine the presence of alterations in imaging exams, blood and urine recognized as risk factors for the development of urinary stones. (AU)