Hey Zohar and Everyone,
AWESOME links and info on this thread!!
I'd only add that clinically speaking the kidney guidelines for reducing protein intake is based on Hoo-hoo, just as the cholesterol-heart-myth is as well. In fact for those on dialysis, a higher protein diet is advised as the this oxidized subpoulation progress faster toward mortality due to malnourishment/low-protein intakes.
--Manninen discusses no data for low protein diet, JISSN 2004.
--Rodriguez et al discuss no data for high protein diet damaging in normal individuals, NM 2004.
--Soleimani et al short term high protein 1g/kg in older women (e.g. compromised renal function d/t aging/high carbs/SAD) improved kidney function (higher GFR), JADA 2007.
--Walrand et al showed in 10days high protein 3g/kg lean mass improved GFR in young folks (older folks require more time for organ improvements IMHO), AJPEM 2008.
--Dr. Frank Hu dispels myths and summarizes evidence high protein better for satiety, thermogenesis and weight loss, JACN 2004. Dr. Hu has switched to the DARK SIDE haa with DR. Wm Krauss (away Harv-tards Willet et al)
--Case study Nielson et al elderly pt prevented end stage renal disease and improved GFR on carb restricted, ~1-1.1 g/kg protein (30%), high fat 50% diet resulted in reversal of eye damage, improved diabetes and halted progressive creatinine (improved GFR actually based on age and improved lean mass, both Cockroft Gault and MDRD formulae), NM 2006.
If one is insulin sensitive (and really no one is -- maybe 10% of the pop who are not damaged by the SAD?), then one can tolerate a lower protein intake 1-1.5 grams/pound body weight daily or lower and have great gains and muscle hypertrophy and optimal health.
For carb intolerant folks (like me), MORE protein is better to COUNTER insulin and increase glucagon improvements, 1-2 grams per pound of body weight can produce HEEYGE gains combined with the right exercise. However there is a point (>25-35%) I believe protein can be too much and will trigger excessive insulin, esp if that person is not doing ANY low level exercise and/or loaded resistance training...
I like how Poliquin has discussed value of high protein for muscles at T-nation. God he cr*cks me the fr*ck up. Basically anything good for muscles (natural speaking, not artificial chemicals) is good also for hormesis cascades, longevity, preventing sarcopenia and for mitochondrial biogenesis.
-G