Proteinintaget

Proteinintaget is a term used to describe the amount of protein consumed by an individual over a defined period, most often a 24-hour day. The metric is used in nutrition planning and research to assess whether protein intake meets physiological needs and goals such as maintenance, growth, or athletic performance. It is typically reported as grams of protein per day or as grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Measurement involves estimating dietary intake through self-reported methods such as food diaries, 24-hour recalls, or food-frequency questionnaires, then applying a nutrition database to calculate protein grams. In some settings, researchers use controlled feeding trials or biomarkers, but routine clinical monitoring is usually based on self-report due to practicality and cost.

Guidelines for proteinintaget vary by age, activity level, health status, and goals. For general healthy adults, many guidelines recommend about 0.8 g/kg/day. Athletes or individuals seeking muscle gain often target higher intakes, commonly 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day, and older adults may require more to prevent sarcopenia. Total energy balance and protein quality influence outcomes; incomplete proteins may necessitate higher total intake to provide essential amino acids.

Discussions about timing and distribution suggest that spreading protein across meals can optimize muscle protein synthesis, but the total daily intake appears to be the primary determinant for most people. Limitations of proteinintaget measurement include reporting errors, variations in digested protein, and differences in protein quality across foods.

Related topics include protein intake, dietary reference intakes, amino acids, and nutritional epidemiology.