What is a potential consequence of excessive protein intake?

Excessive protein intake can lead to increased calcium excretion in the urine, which is a well-documented consequence of high-protein diets. When protein consumption is elevated, particularly from animal sources, the body’s metabolic processes require additional calcium to help balance the acid-base levels produced from protein metabolism. This means that as protein intake increases, the body may lose more calcium through increased urine output, potentially leading to negative effects on bone health over time.

Other options may imply effects that could be associated with dietary imbalances; however, they are not as directly related to excessive protein consumption. For example, while dehydration can occur due to increased protein intake through increased urination, it is not a direct consequence unique to protein alone and can depend on overall fluid intake and balance. Options regarding energy levels or muscle mass are not typical outcomes of high protein diets; on the contrary, adequate protein is crucial for muscle health, and energy levels are more significantly influenced by overall caloric intake and macronutrient balance. The connection between high protein and increased calcium excretion is supported by research and provides a clear link to the consequences of excessive protein in the diet.