Identify any potential risks of using protein or amino acid supplements. 

Discussion 4.1 – supplemental protein and amino acids

While protein and amino acids supplements may be helpful for those seeking to increase muscle mass or to improve athletic performance, they can also pose a variety of risks. They can cause dehydration because of their diuretic properties, which may lead to severe health complications if they are not monitored. Overuse of these supplements can also lead to kidney overload and GI distress because of high doses such as tryptophan or leucine.

A lot of protein/amino acids are derived from animals, which can be a problem for those with food allergies or sensitivities. In addition, studies show that too much consumption of protein may lead to kidney damage over the long term. Lastly, since many brands are not regulated, there’s always the possibility that they don’t contain exactly what their label says and may therefore not be suitable for consumption.