RE: Grams of protein
Posted Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Hi Jennifer! Great question. Protein needs are based on weight, with slight increases recommended for those who engage in intense, regular exercise. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for both men and women is 0.80 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Or more simply, 0.36 g x pounds. So someone who weighs 150 pounds needs 54 grams of protein per day. This number is on the high end for needs, of course, because our government sets our RDAs to cover "nearly all (97 to 98 percent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group." The truth is, the average American consumes almost twice that amount. Therefore, to consume more because you are an athlete is probably already happening! Check out this factsheet for more detail: http://www.pcrm.org/pdfs/health/faq_protein.pdf
Susan Levin, MS, RD PCRM Director of Nutrition Education
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