25 Protein Intake Statistics

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These protein intake figures cover the measurement periods and populations identified in the available source material. Estimates, surveys and forecasts retain their reported scope.

Key Protein Intake Statistics

The main findings are:

  • Male U.S. respondents aged 70 or older averaged 77.3 g of protein per day (2021-2023; U.S. males aged 70+).
  • Protein supplied 16% of food energy for U.S. males aged 20+ (2021-2023).
  • Dinner contributed 35% of daily protein for U.S. males aged 2+ (2021-2023).
  • Federal pattern target for adults 19-59 was 5-7 oz-equivalents (daily) (2020-2025 guideline).
  • Inadequacy ranged under 1%-5% among men 51-70 (2005-2006; U.S. older/adult population).
  • A 6-month trial assigned 92 older men 0.8 or 1.3 g/kg/day (2011-2017 trial; older-adult trial population).
  • Protein supplied 15% of food energy for U.S. males aged 70+ (2021-2023).
  • Dinner contributed 41% of daily protein for U.S. males aged 70+ (2021-2023).
  • Federal pattern target for 2,000-kcal adults was 5.5 oz-equivalents (daily) (2020-2025 guideline).
  • Inadequacy ranged 9%-24% among women 71+ (2005-2006; U.S. older/adult population).
  • Lean-body-mass change was 0.31 kg (95% CI -0.46 to 1.08) (2011-2017 trial; older-adult trial population).
  • Federal pattern target for 2,000-kcal adults was 8 oz-equivalents (weekly seafood) (2020-2025 guideline).
  • Mean usual intake was 94±22 g/day for men 51-70 (2005-2006; U.S. older/adult population).
  • Appendicular lean-mass change was 0.04 kg (95% CI -0.48 to 0.55) (2011-2017 trial; older-adult trial population).
  • Federal pattern target for 2,000-kcal adults was 5 oz-equivalents (weekly nuts/seeds/soy) (2020-2025 guideline).

Contents

Current U.S. protein intake by age and sex

Male U.S. respondents aged 70 or older averaged 77.3 g of protein per day (2021-2023; U.S. males aged 70+). (WWEIA NHANES 2021-2023 Table 1)

Day-1 recall; food and beverages only.

Protein’s share of energy in U.S. diets

Day-1 recall; ratio of protein energy to food energy.

How protein intake is distributed at dinner

Day-1 recall; dinner is one eating occasion.

Federal protein-food pattern targets by age and calorie level

Food-pattern target, not isolated protein grams.

Protein adequacy, sources, and meal patterns in older adults

NHANES estimate; body-weight definitions affect adequacy.

Measured muscle and body-composition outcomes in protein studies

Study-specific controlled intervention.

Table of contents