Question

While some adults may opt to follow a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet for short-term weight loss, a high-protein diet is dangerous for an infant. What is the consequence of feeding an infant a diet that is too high in protein?

Answer 1

Answer:

High protein diet may cause fat deposition and increased insulin production in infants.

Explanation:

High protein intake in infants needs high insulin metabolism and more IGF-1 hormone is released. Hence, protein is deposited as fat and causes a high BMI in these infants in their childhood and adulthood. Moreover, high protein intake produces stress on kidneys and may contribute to dehydration. Processing protein in infants is difficult as they are not capable of producing high levels of nitrogen and their liver’s ability to break down nutrients may decrease due to high nitrogen production.