Recent developments in understanding protein needs - How much and what kind should we eat?

Paul B Pencharz, Rajavel Elango, Robert R Wolfe

Journal: Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme 2017;41(5):577-80

PMID: 27109436

Abstract

A novel method has been developed to determine protein requirements, which is called indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO). This technique has been validated by comparison with the "gold standard" nitrogen balance. Using IAAO we have shown that minimum protein requirements have been underestimated by 30%-50%. The National Academy of Sciences has for macro-nutrients proposed "Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges", which for protein is 10% to 35% of total energy. In practice, we suggest 1.5-2.2 g/(kg·day) of a variety of high-quality proteins.

Address: a Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.; b Department of Paediatrics and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.; c Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z9, Canada.; d School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.; e Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's Hospital, Room 170A, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.; f Department of Geriatrics, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Reynolds Institute on Aging, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham Street, #806, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Bant logo

© Copyright 2026, Nutrition Evidence

NED wishes to thank the following organisations for their support:

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic with Google Analytics. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.