LE3 .A278 2006

2006

Petrie, Heather
Johnston, Elizabeth

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Nutrition

Nutrition & Dietetics

Rapid weight loss has always been appealing to the North American population, and high protein (PRO) diets show promising results in weight loss with minimal food restrictions. The diets are typically low in calories and lead to a negative energy balance. A number of authors of popular textbooks have speculated that high PRO diets cause dehydration. The mechanism by which they have theorized the dehydration is in the excreting of urea (the waste product of protein metabolism) by the kidney. However there is no evidence in the literature to support the claims that a high PRO diet will lead to dehydration. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a diet high in PRO leads to an increase in fluid intake or a change in hydration status. Nine subjects (4 males and 5 females) between the ages of 19 and 56 participated. Subjects were free from illness, were not pregnant or lactating, had a BMI >25, and were sedentary. Subjects were not on a high protein diet prior to participation (PRO intake <20% of macronutrient intake). Subjects were placed on a 12-week diet (approximately 45% CHO, 30% PRO, 25% FAT of dietary energy) which was in keeping with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Compliance was measured through diet record keeping and weight loss. Casual urine samples were collected on 9 occasions (1 at baseline and 8 throughout the study) to determine urine osmolality (Uosm) and urine specific gravity (USG), and 24-hour (24-h) urine samples were collected on 4 occasions (1 at baseline and 3 throughout the study) to determine Uosm, USG and urine volume (Uvol). Total fluid intake was monitored throughout the study.

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