1. What is Protein Requirement?

Protein requirement refers to the amount of protein an individual needs to consume daily to maintain good health, support bodily functions, and meet specific goals like muscle building or recovery.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the protein requirement formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( Factor \) — Protein requirement factor in grams per kilogram

Explanation: The equation calculates daily protein needs based on body weight and an appropriate protein factor for the individual's needs.

3. Importance of Protein Calculation

Details: Accurate protein calculation helps ensure adequate intake for muscle maintenance, recovery from illness, athletic performance, and overall health while avoiding excessive consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg and select an appropriate protein factor (typically 0.8 g/kg for sedentary adults, up to 2.2 g/kg for athletes). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical protein factor for average adults?
A: The RDA is 0.8 g/kg for sedentary adults. Active individuals may need 1.2-1.6 g/kg, and athletes 1.6-2.2 g/kg.

Q2: Does protein requirement change with age?
A: Yes, older adults may need more protein (1.0-1.2 g/kg) to combat sarcopenia (muscle loss with aging).

Q3: When should protein intake be higher?
A: During pregnancy, illness recovery, muscle building phases, and for athletes in training.

Q4: Can too much protein be harmful?
A: Excessive protein (over 2.5 g/kg long-term) may stress kidneys in susceptible individuals and displace other important nutrients.

Q5: Should protein be evenly distributed through the day?
A: Yes, consuming protein in 20-40g doses every 3-4 hours optimizes muscle protein synthesis.