Vegetarian diet and protein

Question
Hi!

I practice a mostly lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet with consumption of fish from time to time. I also run and lift weights about 3 times a week. To maintain muscle I've taken to ingesting about 50 grams of protein by way of an Isopure powder shake after a workout and 25 grams of the same protein before I go to bed. Is there any danger in taking too much protein? Can an abundance of protein negatively affect me in any way? Can you recommend a desirable amount of protein I should be getting to remain healthy? Should I avoid "powder proteins" after a long cycle of taking them? Thanks for your time!

Ian

Answer
Dear Ian,

Excess protein can put you in the condition of calcium deficit: every 40 mg Ca taken on protein intake excess o the background results in 60 mg Ca loss and your muscles need Ca to keep working hard.

Another danger is the stress on your kidneys. The third problem can be your insulin sensitivity since about 1/2 of protein will be converted into carbohydrates in your liver in the process of gluconeogenesis.

As to your concrete healthy requirement and good sources  of protein, use this free calculator:

http://www.global-fitness.com/proteincalc.php

Sometimes, they dont show you the calculator before you register (name, email), in this case, start with http://www.global-fitness.com and choose "FEATURES -> tools cna content"

Good luck,

Tanya Zilberter, PhD

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