What if not enough or too much protein is consumed?
Protein can be the most expensive macronutrient to purchase in food which can lead to insufficiencies. Protein – energy undernutrition is the most widespread world wide form of malnutrition. Decreased amount can lead to decreased muscle mass, and impaired growth in children.
More people are eating plant based foods for a variety of reasons including a desired to be vegans or vegetarians, decrease the carbon footprint and for the potential health benefits. When making the choice to consume more (or only) plant based foods it is important to be careful to ensure that adequate amounts of protein are consumed (legumes, tofu, soy, nuts and seeds )
If the body has excess amino acids, the body will cleave the amino group ( NH3) and through the urea cycle, excrete the excess in the urine. Protein in the urine is a sign of kidney disease.