• Question: Have you come to any conclusion about the best type of protien for the kidney

    Asked by speedmono to Alex, Amy, Andy, Georgia, Ollie on 12 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Alex Munro

      Alex Munro answered on 12 Jun 2011:

      When proteins are metabolised (used/broken down by the body) the first step usually involves the removal of the ‘amino group’ from the protein ( –NH2); this reaction results in ammonia which is highly toxic to the human body. Ammonia is quickly converted to urea and then excreted by the kidney.

      If there is a problem with the kidneys, e.g. as a result of uncontrolled diabetes, then a low-protein diet may be recommended. Otherwise, the kidneys (and the liver) are perfectly able to metabolise the protein we eat…

Comments