**3. Protein requirement**

This is entirely dependent on the individual's age, exercise level, weight, medical history, and desired outcomes. People who are sedentary have distinct needs, adults have different requirements, and athletes possess different needs. Assessments of protein requirements, as according to FAO/WHOIUNU [9], refer to metabolic activities that last for a long duration. Though protein and amino acid requirements are usually expressed as daily rates, this is not always the case, and this does not mean that they must be ingested every day. To preserve muscle mass and function, as well as to fight osteoporosis, the aged require a larger protein consumption than younger people [10, 11]. Although current guidelines recommend a protein consumption of 0.8 grams per kilogram body weight per day (g/kg/d) [12], it is been shown that fit and healthy seniors need a protein intake of 1.2 g/kg/d to avoid age-related weight gain and function [13, 14]. There is presently no evidence on the usual protein consumption of healthy and active older adults, including any potential differences between males and females, to our knowledge. **Figure 1** shows how protein requirements differ depending on the individual [15].

**Figure 1.**

*Protein intake requirements on a daily basis.*

Because our bodies are unable to manufacture critical amino acids, we must obtain them from food. Some amino acids found in proteins could not be used by our bodies. **Figure 2** shows many forms of amino acids [15].

When a person consumes vegetable-based protein, their nutritional needs are higher than when they consume animal protein. **Figure 3** depicts the protein requirements for the plant. Vegetable-based proteins that include essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids include soy, pea, and rice. These are complete proteins that are hypoallergenic and gluten free. Proteins are essential components of human diets because they aid in the maintenance of muscle mass, the regulation of immune responses, the healing of cells, and the enhancement of communication. Proteins are important components in functional meals because of their helpful activities in terms of delivering different proteins in the human diet, such as stiffening and meshing capability, emulsion, fizzing, water retention, and body fat [16, 17].

**Figure 2.**

*Types of amino acids with their importance.*

#### **Figure 3.**

*The protein requirements including essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids.*
