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Protein is indispensable requirement for the growth and maintenance of any living creature. Every cell in our body needs protein to carry out all metabolisms that sustain us. The amount of protein required for normal health however is variable depending on many factors, namely, body weight, age, physical activity, health condition, environment etc. Generally, protein intake should be in equilibrium with protein loss. Protein is lost in urine, feces, blood, sweat, skin, nails, hair etc. When protein intake is less than protein lost, it is called negative protein balance, whereas when it is the reverse it is called positive protein balance. Ideally, for normal adults a neutral protein balance should be attained. Growing kids and pregnant and lactating women, however, require more protein per unit weight than adults in normal condition and therefore should be in positive protein balance. Growing kids and pregnant women are gaining muscle, bones, flesh and blood, and since for every cell in these body parts protein is a requirement, the required daily protein allowance is higher. Other conditions in which positive protein balance is a requirement include recovery stage after illness and when there is increased secretion of insulin, growth hormone, and testosterone. As a general guide, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), in the USA, for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight of adults. Table: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): daily recommended intakes of protein for individuals. (Source: Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine) | Age, gender, life stage group | Protein (grams/day) | Infants | | 0–6 mo | 9.1 | | 7–12 mo | 13.5 | Children | | 1–3 years | 13 | | 4–8 years | 19 | Males | | 9–13 years | 34 | | 14–18 years | 52 | | 19–30 years | 56 | | 31–50 years | 56 | | 51–70years | 56 | | > 70 years | 56 | Females | | 9–13 years | 34 | | 14–18 years | 46 | | 19–30 years | 46 | | 31–50 years | 46 | | 51–70years | 46 | | > 70 years | 46 | Pregnancy | | 14–18 years | 71 | | 19–30 years | 71 | | 31–50 years | 71 | Lactation | | 14–18 years | 71 | | 19–30 years | 71 | | 31–50 years | 71 |
Note: Daily Reference Intakes (DRIs) have been developed, since 1996 by the Food and Nutrition Board, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council, to replace the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).
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References Hamilton, E. M. N., Whitney, E. N., and Sizer, F. S. 1991. Nutrtion: Concepts and Controversies, 5th ed. West Publishing Co.,New York, USA. Institute of Medicine. 2005. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. National Academy Press. (Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies). |
