Assessment Tools and Dietary Recommendations

**117**

is 0.8 g kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

**Chapter 5**

**Abstract**

**1. Introduction**

throughout the life cycle.

day<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

**2. Dietary recommendations for protein intake**

daily protein intake, the EAR for dietary protein is 0.66 g kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

*and Samuel Walker*

Health Benefits of Dietary Protein

Dietary protein intake and the associated health benefits continue to be a subject of great debate. The quantity of protein consumed, the quality or source of protein consumed, and the timing of protein intake throughout the day all play a role in determining the health benefits of dietary protein. Research suggests that intake of dietary protein above the dietary recommendations has health benefits throughout the lifecycle. This book chapter describes the dietary recommendations for protein intake throughout pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood and the associated health benefits with protein intake above the dietary guidelines at each stage of life.

**Keywords:** dietary protein, dietary guidelines, children, adults, health benefits

Proteins are chains of amino acids which are involved in nearly every process in the body. Proteins function as enzymes, transcription factors, binding proteins, transmembrane transporters and channels, hormones, receptors, structural

proteins, and signaling proteins [1]. However, the primary role of protein in the diet is to provide amino acids required for the synthesis of new proteins. We especially rely on dietary protein to provide the nine essential amino acids, which cannot be synthesized in the body. Protein intake greater than the dietary recommendations may prevent sarcopenia [2], help maintain energy balance [3], improve bone health [4–7] and cardiovascular function [8–10], and aid in wound healing [11]. This chapter focuses on the role of dietary protein, and the associated health benefits,

The current dietary recommendations for protein intake include the estimated average requirement (EAR) [12] and the recommended dietary allowance [12]. For

when trying to make recommendations for individuals at different stages of life. Even the Food and Nutrition Board recognizes a difference between what is recommended in the RDA and the level of protein intake needed for optimal health [12]. Therefore, there is a third recommendation for protein called the acceptable daily

for all adults over 18 years of age. This can become confusing

day<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

, and the RDA

throughout the Life Cycle

*Jamie I. Baum, Elisabet Børsheim, Brittany R. Allman* 

## **Chapter 5**
