Protein Supplementation and its Impact on the Body and Health of Athletes, Bodybuilders and Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.54.70786Keywords
whey protein, protein supplementation, high-protein diet, athletes, bodybuilding, fat-free mass, kidney, cardiovascular effects, gut microbiota, acne, liver health, bone mineral densityAbstract
Background. Protein supplementation and high protein diets are widely used in sports and clinical nutrition to improve muscle mass, recovery and body composition. However, their systemic effects remain debated and depend on protein source, intake level and individual health status.
Aim. The aim of this study was to review current evidence on the effects of protein supplementation and high protein intake on different physiological systems.
Material and Methods. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2017 and 2026 were included.
Results. Protein intake supports increases in muscle strength, fat free mass, recovery and body composition. It does not appear to negatively affect bone health or kidney function in healthy individuals, although effects may depend on context. Conclusions: Protein intake within recommended ranges appears safe and beneficial, but its effects depend on multiple factors and require further long term research.
References
1. Nagy SR, Mititelu M, Popovici V, Bontea MG, Pallag A, Jurca T. Protein and Amino Acid Supplementation Among Recreational Gym Goers and Associated Factors—An Exploratory Study - PMC J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025;10(3):248. doi:10.3390/jfmk10030248 PubMed PMID: 40700184; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12286015.
2. Aljohar HI, Almusharraf HF, Alhabardi S. Prevalence and Perspectives of Use of Dietary Supplements Among Adult Athletes Visiting Fitness Centers in Saudi Arabia - PMC J Clin Med. 2025;14(20):7410. doi:10.3390/jcm14207410 PubMed PMID: 41156279; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12565011.
3. Morton RW, Murphy KT, McKellar SR, Schoenfeld BJ, Henselmans M, Helms E, et al. A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults - PMC Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(6):376–84. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608 PubMed PMID: 28698222; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5867436.
4. Qudah T, Iqbal S, Absi HA, Sanal S, Elkoumi A, Fino L, et al. Assessment of the University Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Protein Supplements: A Cross-Sectional Study From the United Arab Emirates - PMC J Nutr Metab. 21 listopada 2025;2025:5582105. doi:10.1155/jnme/5582105 PubMed PMID: 41321711; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12662688.
5. Antonio J, Evans C, Ferrando AA, Stout JR, Antonio B, Cinteo H, et al. Common questions and misconceptions about protein supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? - PMC J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 21(1):2341903. doi:10.1080/15502783.2024.2341903 PubMed PMID: 38626029; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11022925.
6. Patel V, Aggarwal K, Dhawan A, Singh B, Shah P, Sawhney A, et al. Protein supplementation: the double-edged sword - PMC Proc Bayl Univ Med Cent. 37(1):118–26. doi:10.1080/08998280.2023.2280417 PubMed PMID: 38174000; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10761008.
7. Antonio J, Pereira F, Curtis J, Rojas J, Evans C. The Top 5 Can’t-Miss Sport Supplements - PMC 2024;16(19):3247. doi:10.3390/nu16193247 PubMed PMID: 39408214; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11479151.
8. Kemmler W, Kohl M, Jakob F, Engelke K, von Stengel S. Effects of High Intensity Dynamic Resistance Exercise and Whey Protein Supplements on Osteosarcopenia in Older Men with Low Bone and Muscle Mass. Final Results of the Randomized Controlled FrOST Study - PMC 2020;12(8):2341. doi:10.3390/nu12082341 PubMed PMID: 32764397; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7468852.
9. Lamina T, Brandt S, Abdi HI, Yam H, Hayi AG, Parikh R, et al. The Effect of Protein Intake on Bone Disease, Kidney Disease, and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review - PMC Curr Dev Nutr. 2025;9(3):104546. doi:10.1016/j.cdnut.2025.104546 PubMed PMID: 40078350; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11894306.
10. Vasconcelos QDJS, Bachur TPR, Aragão GF. Whey protein supplementation and its potentially adverse effects on health: a systematic review Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2021;46(1):27–33. doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0370
11. Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortoricci AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K.Dietary Protein Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease - PMC Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017;20(1):77–85. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342 PubMed PMID: 27801685; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5962279.
12. Cava E, Padua E, Campaci D, Bernardi M, Muthanna FMS, Caprio M, et al. Investigating the Health Implications of Whey Protein Consumption: A Narrative Review of Risks, Adverse Effects, and Associated Health Issues - PMC. 2024;12(2):246. doi:10.3390/healthcare12020246 PubMed PMID: 38255133; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10815430.
13. Fekete ÁA, Giromini C, Chatzidiakou Y, Givens DI, Lovegrove JA. Whey protein lowers systolic blood pressure and Ca-caseinate reduces serum TAG after a high-fat meal in mildly hypertensive adults - PMC Sci Rep. 2018;8:5026. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-23333-2 PubMed PMID: 29568003; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5864936.
14. Muhaidat J, Qablan A, Gharaibeh F, Albataineh GH, Abdo N, Alshiyab D, et al. The Effect of Whey Protein Supplements on Acne Vulgaris among Male Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case-Control Study from North of Jordan - PMC Dermatol Res Pract. 2024;2024:2158229. doi:10.1155/2024/2158229 PubMed PMID: 38633058; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11022506.
15. Vitale K, Getzin A. Nutrition and Supplement Update for the Endurance Athlete: Review and Recommendations - PMC Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1289. doi:10.3390/nu11061289 PubMed PMID: 31181616; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6628334.
16. Lee NR, Hwang HK, Lee H, Kang CM. Oral Protein Supplements Might Improve Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients after Standard Pancreatic Resection - PMC Nutrients. 2024;16(17):2988. doi:10.3390/nu16172988 PubMed PMID: 39275303; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11397451.
17. Li F, He R, Yue Z, Yi H, Lu L, Zhang L, et al. Effect of a 12-mo intervention with whey protein powder on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial - ScienceDirect. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025;121(2):256–64. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.11.019
18. Tidmas V, Brazier J, Hawkins J, Forbes SC, Bottoms L, Farrington K. Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Strategies in Bodybuilding: Impact on Kidney Function - PMC Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):4288. doi:10.3390/ijerph19074288 PubMed PMID: 35409969; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8998289.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Agnieszka Kamińska, Anna Żmigrodzka, Agnieszka Przepióra, Maria Orłowska, Jana Kozłowska, Maria Sanocka, Aleksandra Wielogórska, Karolina Trojnar, Klaudia Czernic-Goławska, Joanna Falana, Anna Kwiatkowska
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 30
Number of citations: 0
