Blood and nutritional profiles of an individual consuming a high protein-low fat diet

This is the case of a normal weight, physically active 24-year old Puerto Rican woman consuming a highly unusual diet. Through careful selection of foods, the diet contains a high percent protein, a low percent fat, adequate fiber and zero cholesterol. Popular commercial diets high in protein all contain high fat, high cholesterol and low fiber. Blood samples were taken and dietary recalls were collected for 6 consecutive days to evaluate hematological and nutritional parameters. A blood lipid profile showed low circulating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and a beneficial HDL/LDL ratio. However, nutritional analysis revealed insufficient ingestion of vitamin D and an unhealthy balance of servings from the food pyramid. Long-term consequences of this diet could put the subject at risk for kidney and bone diseases. Immediate discontinuation of the diet is the preferred recommendation to the subject. This case report illustrates the danger of adapting a self-prescribed eating plan without the consultation of a dietitian or other qualified health professional.