Human protein requirements.

Abstract

The protein requirements for various age groups have been calculated
\nby factorial method. For calculating the nitrogen required for maintenance,
\nthe factors suggested by the U.E.Expert Panel (2.65 mg.N/basal K Cal) and
\nthe Food and Nutrition Board, N.R.C., U.S.A. (3:2 mg.N/basal K Cal) have
\nbeen used. The nitrogen requirements fbr growth were calculated using the
\ndata given in the report of the FAO/WHO Expert Group. The mean of values
\nfor total N requirements obtained by the two methods multiplied by the
\nconventional factor 6.25 has been taken to represent the reference protein
\nrequirements. To this value, 20% excess has been added to allow for
\nindividual variations, as suggested by FAO/WHO Expert Group. The revised
\nreference protein requirements expressed as g/kg body weight are as fellows
\nInfants, 2.37 to 1.48 g; children, 1-3 years, 1.48 to 1.19 g; children
\n4-6 years, 1.06 g; children 7-9 years, 0.96 g; children 10-12 years, 0.84 g;
\nadolescent boys, 0.93-0.76 g; adolescent girls, 0.83 to 0.67 g; adults-men,
\n0.55 g; women, 0.51 g; pregnant women, 0.71 g :nd lactating women, 0.91 g.
\nThe revised reference protein allowances for children 1-3 years are higher
\nand for adult men and women lower than the corresponding allowances
\nsuggested by the FAO/WHO Expert Group. The revised protein allowances
\nare as follows in terms of NDP Cal %i Infants, 8.0 to 6.0; children, 1-3
\nyears, 6.0 to 5.3; 4-6 years, 5.3; 7-9 years, 4.9 and 10-12 years, 4.8;
\nadolescent boys 6.6 to 6.2; adolescent girls, 7.1 to 6.2; adult men, 4.5;
\nadult women, 4.8; pregnant and lactating women 5.5. The data indicate
\nthat the protein requirements can be expressed both as grams per kilograc
\nbody weight or as NDP Cal %.