The research, undertaken by The University of Eastern Finland, showed that an increased protein intake produced an incrementally greater risk, above 60g per day.
Over 2,500 men aged 42 to 60 took part in the tests.
Most proteins from animal and plant sources were associated with a higher risk. Protein from fish and eggs were not.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), very high-protein diets are likely to involve cutting out or limiting other food groups.
BNF states the adult reference intakes for protein - the amount considered likely to be sufficient to meet the requirements of 97.5% of the population from UK, Europe and US - range from 0.75 – 0.83 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, with an intake of twice this considered safe.