Protein fever: an obsession that puts your health at risk?

Proteins are experiencing a real boom. Supermarkets are full of "high-protein " products, from cereals to yogurts, while on social media, especially TikTok, influencers are sharing routines and tips to maximize protein intake.

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No wonder: this macronutrient is essential for health, helps build muscle mass, and contributes to weight loss by creating a greater feeling of satiety. However, some experts are beginning to question whether the current obsession with protein could be displacing other equally important nutrients, such as fiber and complex carbohydrates. "Protein is essential because it forms the building blocks of the body," Dr. Emma Beckett, professor of nutrition at the University of South Wales, told the BBC. "But the popularity of protein products on the market may be leading many people to consume more than they really need."

According to experts, the right amount varies by age, sex, size, and physical activity level. Even so, the market seems to encourage excessive consumption, often through processed foods. People have confirmed this. In the BBC article, one consumer explained that she tried a three-week diet based on protein-enriched products: oatmeal, yogurt, macaroni and cheese, and even water. The results weren't entirely positive. Although she noticed a slight increase in muscle mass thanks to the supplemental workout, she also experienced physical discomfort.

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"I felt terrible for almost the entire process," she confessed. Excess protein, especially from animal sources, can overload the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney stones, as well as affect bone health and cause side effects such as nausea, according to the British Dietetic Association.

Added to this is the fact that many high-protein products are highly processed, with added sugars to soften the bitter taste of the amino acids. For Beckett, the risk lies in losing sight of nutritional balance. "We are not engines that run on a single fuel. We need a combination of nutrients to maintain health and survival."

In other words, proteins are vital, but they're not everything. The challenge is integrating them into a varied diet, which also includes fiber, quality carbohydrates, and healthy fats. JOHANA LORDUY

PORTFOLIO Journalist