What is the daily recommended intake of protein for healthy adults?

The daily recommended intake of protein for healthy adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. This guideline is based on scientific research that indicates the average adult needs this amount to meet their nutritional needs while maintaining health and supporting bodily functions.

This recommendation considers various factors such as the average metabolic demands of an adult, the need for tissue repair, and the synthesis of enzymes and hormones that are crucial for normal body operation. For most sedentary adults, this amount is sufficient to maintain muscle mass and overall health without excess protein intake, which can be taxing on the kidneys and could lead to other health concerns if consistently over-consumed.

Increased protein needs are typically associated with specific life stages, such as pregnancy, lactation, or increased physical activity, where adjustments would be advised to support higher energy expenditure and tissue synthesis.