Prolonged high protein intake can lead to __________.

• A. kidney damage
• B. loss of bone mass
• C. muscle building
• D. a negative nitrogen balance

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of protein in the body: Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function.
2. Recognize the concept of nitrogen balance: Nitrogen balance is the measure of nitrogen input minus nitrogen output. A positive balance indicates more nitrogen is retained than excreted, while a negative balance indicates more nitrogen is excreted than retained.
3. Consider the effects of high protein intake: While protein is crucial, excessive intake can lead to various health issues, including stress on the kidneys and potential loss of bone mass due to increased calcium excretion.
4. Analyze the options: Kidney damage can occur due to the kidneys working harder to excrete excess nitrogen. Muscle building is generally a positive effect of adequate protein intake, not prolonged high intake. A negative nitrogen balance is unlikely with high protein intake unless other factors are involved.
5. Conclude with the most likely consequence: Prolonged high protein intake can lead to loss of bone mass due to increased calcium excretion, which is necessary to neutralize the acid load from protein metabolism.