The key facts
- Over six months, 8.3 million packages of sports nutrition were purchased in Russia (Chestny Znak data, as reported by Baza)
- More than 70% of sales are protein powders; protein is being added to soft drinks, baked goods, and sausage
- A case is described of a patient who needed a kidney transplant after years of taking protein
Demand and new products
Over six months, Russians purchased 8.3 million packages of sports nutrition — these figures from the labeling system Chestny Znak are cited by the Telegram channel Baza. More than 70% of sales came from traditional protein powders, with protein bars taking second place: according to Chestny Znak, in Moscow 3.5 bars are sold per thousand residents. The greatest interest in sports nutrition was shown by residents of the Murmansk Region and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug; the leaders also included Leningrad Region, Karelia, and Yaroslavl Region.
Protein outside the gym
The enthusiasm for protein is no longer limited to powders and bars: manufacturers are adding protein supplements to soft drinks, coffee, bread, popcorn, and even sausage — products that were not previously associated with sports nutrition. At the same time, as doctors note, buying protein products does not in itself mean exceeding the required protein intake, but for people with impaired kidney function, excess protein in the diet may create additional risks.
A case from practice and what is important to know
Life.ru previously reported on a patient at the Sklifosovsky Institutewho, after several years of daily protein supplement use and intense training, needed a kidney transplant. The man did not notice the danger for a long time, until he faced high blood pressure, severe headaches, and protein appearing in his urine; the deterioration first led to hemodialysis and then to transplantation. The operation was successful, and the patient is recovering. Doctors remind people of the importance of monitoring blood and urine tests when following a high-protein diet, since kidney problems can progress for a long time without pronounced symptoms.
