Protein: Are You Getting Enough?
Nutrition facts labels prominently display information about protein on the foods we buy. But of the three macronutrients in food -- protein, fat, and carbohydrates -- protein may be the one most of us know least about.
How much protein do you need to stay healthy? What's the best source of protein?
Protein requirements are complicated because the amount we need changes with age.
Infants require about 10 grams a day.
Teenage boys need up to 52 grams a day.
Teenage girls need 46 grams a day.
Adult men need about 56 grams a day.
Adult women need about 46 grams a day.
One important exception is pregnant or lactating women, when the recommended intake rises to 71 grams of protein a day.
Another way to count protein requirements is as a percentage of calories. The USDA's MyPyramid plan suggests that protein make up between 17% to 21% percent of total calories. The Institute of Medicine recommends we get at least 10% and no more than 35% of calories from protein
Nutrition facts labels prominently display information about protein on the foods we buy. But of the three macronutrients in food -- protein, fat, and carbohydrates -- protein may be the one most of us know least about.
How much protein do you need to stay healthy? What's the best source of protein?
Protein requirements are complicated because the amount we need changes with age.
Infants require about 10 grams a day.
Teenage boys need up to 52 grams a day.
Teenage girls need 46 grams a day.
Adult men need about 56 grams a day.
Adult women need about 46 grams a day.
One important exception is pregnant or lactating women, when the recommended intake rises to 71 grams of protein a day.
Another way to count protein requirements is as a percentage of calories. The USDA's MyPyramid plan suggests that protein make up between 17% to 21% percent of total calories. The Institute of Medicine recommends we get at least 10% and no more than 35% of calories from protein