How Much Protein Do You Actually Need? (2024)

FAQs

How Much Protein Do You Actually Need? ›

Recent research suggests that aiming for more, for example, between 1.3 g and 1.8 g per kilogram of body weight daily (approximately 88 g to 122 g for women, 105 g to 145 g for men), may be optimal for health, especially when it comes to warding off age-related muscle loss, according to a 2019 review in Nutrients.

Recent research suggests that aiming for more, for example, between 1.3 g and 1.8 g per kilogram of body weight daily (approximately 88 g to 122 g for women, 105 g to 145 g for men), may be optimal for health, especially when it comes to warding off age-related muscle loss, according to a 2019 review in Nutrients.

If you're trying to build muscle, aim for 69-102 grams of protein per day. If you're trying to lose weight, shoot for 68-82 grams of protein per day.

The National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults get about 0.8 grams of protein a day for every kilogram they weigh. That's about 7 grams for every 20 pounds. It suggests babies and children get a bit more, ranging from 1.2 grams per kilogram for infants to 0.85 grams per kilogram for teens.

How much protein do I need a day? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is a modest 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. The RDA is the amount of a nutrient you need to meet your basic nutritional requirements.

And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don't get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.

The recommendations are scattered. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that the average person consume between 10 and 35 percent of their total calories from protein. If you eat 2,500 calories per day, that's between 250 and 875 calories from protein, or between 63 and 219 grams per day—a massive range.

Globally, most people exceed minimum protein consumption recommendations, but Americans and Canadians take it to another level. Despite eating more protein than any other region, Americans and Canadians eat the least amount of plant-based protein — instead, they get it from animal meat, dairy, and eggs.

The point about resistance training is a reminder that muscle mass is not simply a product of protein intake. “If someone wants to build more muscle, they need to up the intensity of their strength training — higher weights, higher reps, or both — and break down their muscle fibers.

Additionally, they help you gain muscle and improve your performance when combined with resistance training. However, if you eat enough high-quality protein foods throughout the day, taking a protein supplement may be unnecessary. Also, keep in mind that overeating protein can lead to weight gain.

What is the 30g protein breakfast myth? ›

Protein myth: the body can only absorb 30g protein per meal

According to research, the human body can absorb a virtually unlimited amount of protein.

Signs of a protein deficiency

Feeling weak or hungry, since protein supplies energy and satisfies the appetite. Getting sick often without protein to boost the immune system. Mood changes or trouble thinking due to fluctuating blood sugar and protein's effect on the brain's neurotransmitters (which regulate mood)

General recommendations are to consume 15–30 grams of protein at each meal. Studies show higher intakes — those more than 40 grams — in one sitting are no more beneficial than the recommended 15–30 grams at one time. Don't waste your money on excessive amounts.

To build muscle, aim to eat 1.4– 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day, says Cynthia Sass, RD, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics based in Los Angeles. (To calculate your approximate weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2.)

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommends that adult females get at least 46 grams (g) of protein daily and adult males at least 56 g daily. However, some researchers suggest that eating more than this amount may help lower your risk of some health conditions, such as: type 2 diabetes.

To lose weight, diets with higher amounts of protein—between 90 and 150 grams a day—are effective and help keep you from losing muscle along with fat.

The average person should eat 0.36 grams of protein for every pound they weigh (or 0.8 grams per kilogram). Based on that recommendation, a 120-pound woman should eat 43 grams of protein each day (120 x 0.36) and a 170-pound man should eat 61 grams of protein each day (160 x 0.36).

The Institute of Medicine has set the range of recommended protein intake at 10 to 35% of total calories for adults, or 50 to 175 grams of protein per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and more. Chronic protein overconsumption can also increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disorders, liver and kidney issues, and seizures.