Nutrition

How Much Protein Per Day?

6 min readKilotaki Nutrition Editor
How Much Protein Per Day?

Sedentary: 0.8 g/kg. Active: 1.2-1.6 g/kg. Athletes/muscle-building: 1.6-2.2 g/kg. Older adults (60+): 1.0-1.2 g/kg (sarcopenia prevention). For 70 kg person: 56-154 g protein range.

Protein Sources (per serving)

Chicken breast 100g: 31 g. Egg 1: 6 g. Greek yogurt 200g: 18 g. Lentils 1 cup: 18 g. Tofu 100g: 17 g. Milk 1 cup: 8 g. Cheese 30g: 7 g.

  • Animal protein is 'complete'
  • Plant protein 'incomplete' — combine throughout day
  • Soy and quinoa are exceptions: complete plant proteins

Does Timing Matter?

Old myth: '30-minute window'. New science: total daily intake matters most. Per-meal 25-40 g protein optimizes muscle synthesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will too much protein damage kidneys?

Not in healthy kidneys. Doctor monitoring needed if pre-existing kidney disease.

Scientific References

  1. Phillips SM (2014) Dietary protein for athletes. Sports Med.

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Consult your physician or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

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