What element is primarily lost due to high protein diets according to research?

High protein diets have been associated with the increase in renal excretion of certain minerals, particularly calcium. When protein intake is elevated, the body tends to excrete more calcium in urine, which could be due to various mechanisms, including the increase of acid load from metabolizing protein. The body may respond to this by leaching calcium from the bones to maintain blood pH, leading to a greater loss of this essential mineral.

In a context where individuals consume higher amounts of proteins, especially from animal sources, there might be an increase in the sulfur-containing amino acids, which can lead to increased calcium excretion and a potential risk for osteoporosis over time if calcium intake is not adequately maintained. This research underscores the importance of balancing protein intake with adequate levels of calcium to ensure that bone health is preserved.

Other minerals, while important, do not have the same documented relationship with high protein intake in terms of excretion, making calcium the primary element of concern in this context.