Protein requirements

Protein requirements change daily depending on one’s health and well-being: They are directly related to energy needs. (Roehl 1996) It is important to note that the body does not store protein so it requires a fresh source every day.(Bauman 2005)

There are generally two ways to determine protein requirement in a diet. Assuming the adult person is in maintenance mode, one suggestion is to multiple the body weight in kilograms by .8 (gram of protein per kilogram needed).(Roehl 1996)  For example, a 150-pound person needs about 54 grams of protein. 

Another method, favoring external factors affecting protein needs, is to use a ratio of protein calorie value to total caloric intake such as used by the World Health Organization (WHO). For example, approximately 8 to 9 percent of total daily calories should be in the form of protein.(Bauman 2005) Note that protein needs will be higher for those with an illness, injury or in athletic training (a building diet).  Requirements might be higher than the RDA in vegetarians whose dietary protein sources are primarily those that are less well digested, such as some cereals and legumes.(American Dietetic Association 2003)