Protein: recommended daily intake
Reference values for protein across life-stage groups, from National Academies: DRIs for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Protein, Amino Acids (2002/2005).
56g
men
46g
women
Adults 19–50.
| Life stage | RDA / AI | UL | EAR | AMDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infants 0–6 months | 9.1g (AI) | - | - | - |
| Infants 7–12 months | 11g (AI) | - | - | - |
| Children 1–3 years | 13g (RDA) | - | - | - |
| Children 4–8 years | 19g (RDA) | - | - | - |
| Males 9–13 years | 34g (RDA) | - | - | - |
| Females 9–13 years | 34g (RDA) | - | - | - |
| Males 14–18 years | 52g (RDA) | - | - | - |
| Females 14–18 years | 46g (RDA) | - | - | - |
| Adult males 19–50 | 56g (RDA) | - | - | 10–35% of energy |
| Adult females 19–50 | 46g (RDA) | - | - | 10–35% of energy |
| Adult males 51+ | 56g (RDA) | - | - | 10–35% of energy |
| Adult females 51+ | 46g (RDA) | - | - | 10–35% of energy |
| Pregnancy (19–30) | 71g (RDA) | - | - | 10–35% of energy |
| Lactation (19–30) | 71g (RDA) | - | - | 10–35% of energy |
Notes
- Protein RDA based on 0.8 g/kg/day for adults. AMDR range supports flexibility in dietary patterns.
Source: National Academies: DRIs for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Protein, Amino Acids (2002/2005) (snapshot 2026-04-30)