5/11/2009 RDA: Protein Requirement for Humans

RDA: Protein Requirement for Humans

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,
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5/11/2009 RDA: Protein Requirement for Humans
Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council, to replace the Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDAs).

Protein Related Articles:

Protein: Health benefit, Digestion, and Deficiency
Food Protein Sources: Animal and Vegetable Sources High or Low in Protein
Soybean/tofu: nutritional value and health benefits
Essential and non essential amino acids: Definitions and Functions
L-Arginine: Food Sources, Health Benefits and Side Effects

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).

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