Protein Requirements for Adults
Based on Body Weight (per kilogram)
|
Condition |
Protein Requirement |
|
Normal nutrition, 19-50 years old |
0.8 g/kg/day |
|
Normal nutrition, >50 years old |
0.8 g/kg/day* |
|
Pregnancy and lactation |
1.1 g/kg/day |
|
Critically ill or injured |
1.5-2.0 g/kg/day |
|
COPD, if malnourished |
1.5-2.0 g/kg/day |
|
Sepsis |
1.2-1.5 g/kg/day |
|
Hepatic failure |
0.25-0.5 g/kg/day |
|
Renal failure, nondialyzed |
0.6-0.75 g/kg/day |
|
Renal failure, hemodialyzed |
≥1.2 g/kg/day |
|
Renal failure, peritoneal dialyzed |
1.2-1.3 g/kg/day |
COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, g=gram, kg=kilogram
*Many experts believe that the dietary reference intake (DRI) guidelines for those >50 years of age should increase to 1 g/kg body weight.
References and recommended readings
Chernoff R, ed. Geriatric Nutrition: The Health Professionals Handbook. 3rd ed. Sudberry MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2006.
Committee on Dietary Reference Intakes. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2005.
Mahan KL, Escott-Stump S. Krause's Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co; 2008.
Piland C, Adams S, eds. Pocket Resource for Nutrition Assessment. Consultant Dietitians in Health Care Communities, American Dietetic Association; 2009.
Review Date 11/10
G-1445
