Diet: Protein Requirements

Protein is essential for muscle development and maintenance, support of your immune system and maintaining healthy cells. Animal and some plant foods provide your body with necessary protein to carry on these bodily functions. Each stage of life and activity level requires a different amount of protein. Making sure you get the correct amount helps your body perform to the best of its ability.

Children

Children have varying protein requirements depending on which stage of growth they are in. Children 0 to 12 months old require 1.5 g per kg of body weight. After the age of 1, their requirement decreases to 1 g per kg of body weight. At the age of 3, their requirement drops to 0.95 g per kg of body weight until the age of 14, according to Paul Insel and colleagues in "Discovering Nutrition."

Teens

Teenagers 14 to 18 years old require 0.85 g per kg of body weight, according to Insel and colleagues. The growth rate of teens is slower than children, so their cells don't turn over as quickly. Teenagers' growth and weight gain is faster than adults, which necessitates a higher protein requirement above that of adults.

Adults

For adults, the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, for protein is 0.8 g per kg of body weight, according to Insel and colleagues. The recommendation estimates that this equals 8 to 11 percent of an adult's daily calories. Adult growth rates and muscle turnover are stable, so protein requirements don't fluctuate and you don't require large amounts of protein to maintain your health

Athletes

Teenage athletes have a higher protein requirement over non-athletic teenagers. Adults engaging in muscle mass building have a slightly higher protein requirement over active adults. According to Rice University, teenage athletes and adults building muscle mass require 0.6 to 0.9 g of protein per kg of body weight. This range includes teenage and adult female and male athletes.

Special Populations

Pregnant and breastfeeding females require 1.1 g of protein per kg of body weight, according to Insel and colleagues. This additional protein accommodates the growth rate of the infant. If you have kidney problems or require dialysis, your protein requirements may be different. According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, protein requirements need to be individualized based on your kidney function; what type of therapy you receive, such as dialysis; if you have cholesterol issues or diabetes. A dietitian specializing in renal nutrition can recommend your protein intake based on your individual needs.