Use the Protein Intake Calculator to determine how much protein you need to consume each day as an adult. More protein is in need by children, the physically active, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Those with renal illness, liver disease, diabetes, or any condition where protein consumption is important will find the calculator helpful as well.
Protein Intake Calculator
| age should be in 14 to 80 range | |
| require | require |
You should take ...... of protein per day
What are proteins?
Proteins are one of three primary macronutrients that provide energy to the human body, along with fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are responsible for a large portion of the work that is being ongoing in cells; they are necessary for proper structure and function of tissues and organs, and also act to regulate them. They can be comprised of a number of amino acids that are essential to proper body function, and serve as the building blocks of body tissue.
There are 20 different amino acids in total, and the sequence of amino acids determines a protein’s structure and function. While some amino acids are syn in the body, there are 9 amino acids that humans can only obtain from dietary sources (insufficient amounts of which may sometimes result in death), termed essential amino acids. Foods that provide all of the essential amino acids are called complete protein sources, and include both animal (meat, dairy, eggs, fish) as well as plant-based sources (soy, quinoa, buckwheat).
Proteins on the function they provide to the body. Below is a list of some types of proteins:
- Antibody—proteins that protect the body from foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, by binding to them
- Enzyme—proteins that help form new molecules as well as perform the many chemical reactions that occur throughout the body
- Messenger—proteins that transmit signals throughout the body to maintain body processes
- Structural component—proteins that act as building blocks for cells that ultimately allow the body to move
- Transport/storage—proteins that move molecules throughout the body
- Proteins have many important roles throughout the body, and as such, it is important to provide sufficient nutrition to the body to maintain healthy protein levels.
