NUTRITION HOTLINE: How Much Protein
By Diane Keddy, MS, RD
Reprinted from Eating Disorders Recovery Today
Spring 2006 Volume 4, Number 2
©2006 Gürze Books
Q: How much protein should I eat in a day?
A: The Recommended Dietary Allowance is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) body weight. For the average person, this works out to about 62 grams per day for men and 47 grams per day for women. These values apply to people in good health with average activity levels. Athletes, adults with above average activity, and people who need to gain weight need 1.0–2.0 grams per kilogram body weight per day. Pregnant woman are generally advised to eat about 10 additional grams of protein. However eating too much protein is not good either, so it is best to check with your physician or dietitian to determine your actual needs.
