O-Level Biological Molecules: worked solution

Question

The Atkins diet recommends eating more protein. Propose and explain drawbacks that this diet might cause.

Eating a lot of protein means excess amino acids must be deaminated in the liver, producing ammonia which is converted to urea; this puts extra strain on the liver and kidneys. The diet is also low in carbohydrate, so the body lacks a readily available source of glucose for respiration/energy (and low fibre can cause constipation).