A Frontiers in Nutrition perspective paper says public protein guidance should shift from deficiency prevention to long-term health optimization, with some adults potentially benefiting from intake up to 1 gram per pound of body weight.
Current baseline advice sits around 0.75-0.8 grams per kilogram a day—about 0.34-0.36 g/lb—while experts interviewed said many active, older, pregnant or weight-loss patients may do better around 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day.
The paper links higher protein intake to faster muscle recovery, strength gains, fat loss and better bone health, but experts said benefits are greatest when paired with resistance training and broader physical activity.
Dietitians cautioned that more protein should come from balanced, high-quality foods rather than processed or high-saturated-fat meats, and said people with chronic kidney disease need individualized limits even though up to 2 g/kg/day appears safe for healthy adults.