Narrative review: high-protein intake and kidney function across ages and species
This narrative review of experimental, animal and human data reports that high protein raises intraglomerular pressure and filtration in the short term without long-term harm to healthy kidneys, but may speed chronic kidney disease progression in adults; in older people it is linked to protection against sarcopenia and longer life. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The authors searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for experimental and animal studies and data on adults and children, focusing on CKD. [1]
Experimental studies confirmed a protein-triggered adaptive rise in intraglomerular pressure and hyperfiltration without long-term negative effect on a healthy kidney. [1]
In older individuals, high protein intake combined with a plant-rich diet appears to protect against sarcopenia and is associated with increased longevity. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Narrative review (abstract only)
- Population / context
- Experimental and animal studies plus adult and pediatric human populations, with special focus on people with chronic kidney disease.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 29, 2026
Review question: protein intake and kidney function by age
This narrative review asked how high-protein intake affects kidney function. The authors searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for experimental and animal studies and for data on adults and children, with special attention to people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). They describe their analysis as spanning species and age groups and covering both theoretical and clinical perspectives.
Supporting source [1]
Adaptive filtration in experiments; CKD and older adults differ
Experimental studies confirmed a protein-triggered adaptive rise in intraglomerular pressure and subsequent hyperfiltration, yet without any long-term negative effect on a healthy kidney. Human adult studies indicate that high-protein dietary content may accelerate CKD progression. Conversely, in older individuals, high protein intake combined with a plant-rich diet appears to protect against sarcopenia and is associated with increased longevity. In children with CKD, protein intake should be adjusted according to growth requirements.
Supporting source [1]
Plant protein proportion: suggested benefit, insufficient kidney evidence
The review states that in both pediatric and general populations, increasing the proportion of plant-based protein relative to animal protein may improve health outcomes, although evidence on protection of kidney function is insufficient. Its conclusion calls for balance between excessive protein intake, which may aggravate existing dysfunctions, and overly restrictive consumption, which may lead to sarcopenia in older adults and impaired growth or development in children. A personalized approach is described as essential, considering age, kidney function or CKD stage, comorbidities and, in children, growth rate and developmental needs.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This is an abstract of a narrative review; the full text was not reviewed. It reports no sample sizes, follow-up durations or effect estimates, and its statements about older adults and longevity are associations, not proven causes.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Jacuńska J, Bruciak A, Wilk J, Grodzki W, Musiał K. · europepmc.org · September 29, 2026