New Delhi: Doctors in the city are raising an alarm over a growing number of cases of young gym-goers suffering kidney damage due to unsupervised use of protein supplements.Nephrologists say the trend is worrying as many of them are otherwise healthy people who begin consuming high doses of protein powders, without medical supervision, often upon suggestion of unaware trainers.This comes as a stark reminder on World Kidney Day, when health experts stress the importance of protecting the kidney and avoiding lifestyle choices that can damage the vital organ.A recent case highlights the severity of the problem. A 20-year-old college student from south Delhi, whose parents are doctors, was admitted to PSRI Hospital after developing severe swelling in his face and legs, a clinical warning sign of kidney distress. Sharing the case study with TOI, doctors pointed out that he had no prior medical issues, but diagnostic blood and urine tests revealed significant protein leakage from his kidneys.Doctors traced the damage to a period of six to eight months last year, during which he had consumed protein powders while training at a gym. Though he stopped taking the supplements later, nephrologists say the damage to his renal filtration system had already been done.While in some cases, such damage can be controlled with treatment and lifestyle changes, medical experts warn that in others, it can be irreversible and a patient may have to live with the condition for life.PSRI Hospital treats five to seven such patients on an average every month. Many of them are young adults influenced by fitness trends and want to bulk up quickly.“Protein powders can be damaging when taken without professional medical guidance,” said Dr Ravi Bansal, director of nephrology and kidney transplant medicine at the hospital. “Unless clinically indicated for specific metabolic needs, individuals should avoid exceeding a protein intake of 1.2 gm/kg of body weight to prevent undue glomerular stress. It is critical to verify the purity of all supplements, as poor-quality formulations are frequently linked to systemic allergic reactions and unintended toxicities. Ultimately, natural dietary proteins remain superior to artificial substitutes, offering a balanced amino acid profile and better bioavailability without the hidden risks of unregulated additives,” Bansal added. Dr (Prof) Sanjay Agarwal, former head of nephrology, AIIMS, New Delhi, said that people often begin high-protein diets without understanding their renal health. “Our kidneys have a functional reserve. If the reserve is low or borderline, long-term excessive protein can cause kidney damage,” Agarwal said.
