What is the approximate protein requirement for healthy adults (non-critically ill) per kilogram body weight?

• A. 0.6 g/kg/day
• B. 1.0 g/kg/day
• C. 0.8 g/kg/day
• D. 1.2 g/kg/day

Answer: (C)

For healthy adults, the amount of protein you need each day scales with body weight to support basic bodily functions and tissue maintenance. The standard recommendation is about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This amount satisfies essential amino acid needs for most people and supports nitrogen balance, which helps prevent deficiency.

Values lower than this, such as 0.6 g/kg/day, fall short of the typical requirement and may not meet maintenance needs for many individuals. Higher amounts, like 1.0 or 1.2 g/kg/day, are sometimes advised for specific groups (such as athletes or older adults with higher protein demands) or under certain conditions, but they aren’t the general everyday recommendation for healthy adults. Therefore, 0.8 g/kg/day is the best standard target.