Some claim that overconsuming protein can have detrimental effects as the body must dispose of the nitrogen from any over consumed protein. Protein can also contribute to weight gain if it is over consumed as it can be converted to glucose and fat, and the latter stored in adipose tissue. Protein foods are also more expensive than fat and carbohydrate foods in general. However, in reality protein is considered a weight loss food, and as the intake of protein goes up the chance of weight gain goes down. Protein is required for the building of skeletal muscle and as turnover of skeletal muscle increases, protein requirement also increases. Protein is also required to maintain the immune system. It is therefore difficult to state how much protein should be consumed as it will depend on individual circumstances. As a rough guide, 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass should suffice for most individuals. Eating more than this amount may have no additional benefits and may limit supply of other important food components such as fibre.
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