Do you need more protein as you age?
Protein tissue accounts for 30% of whole-body protein turnover but that rate declines to 20% or less by age 70. The result of this phenomenon is that older adults require more protein/kilogram body weight than do younger adults.
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Do you need more protein as you age?
Protein tissue accounts for 30% of whole-body protein turnover but that rate declines to 20% or less by age 70. The result of this phenomenon is that older adults require more protein/kilogram body weight than do younger adults.

How much protein should a 70 year old man have a day?
So, how much protein should seniors eat? The most commonly cited standard is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA): 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight per day.
How much protein do I need for my age?
The general RDA for an average adult is 0.8g of protein per kg of body mass per day. However, this is a minimum level….How to calculate your protein requirements.
Age and sex | Total RDA in grams (g) per day |
---|---|
19 – 70 years and older | 56.0 |
Females | |
9 – 13 years | 34.0 |
14 – 70 years and older | 46.0 |
Why is protein important for seniors?
In addition to helping individuals stay at a healthy weight and absorb key nutrients, proteins also contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, enhanced concentration, higher energy and stabilized blood sugar levels, bone health and learning improvements—things many seniors struggle with as they age.

How much protein should a 55 year old woman eat?
For women over 50, experts recommend 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of weight (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds). If you weigh 140 pounds, for instance, you would need at least 63 grams of protein a day.
Is protein powder good for elderly?
Protein shakes can be a great option for older adults. When considering options, it is important to recommend a protein powder that suits the needs of seniors. Older adults have different nutritional needs than other groups. Factors beyond age, such as exercise, can affect the amount of protein an elderly person needs.
What are the protein needs of a 70 year old man and a 70 year old woman?
“But new data points to the 0.8 g/kg/day standard being a bit low for people over 70, so a range of 70 to 85 grams is probably a healthier target.”
How can I get 46 grams of protein a day?
14 Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Intake
- Eat your protein first.
- Snack on cheese.
- Replace cereal with eggs.
- Top your food with chopped almonds.
- Choose Greek yogurt.
- Have a protein shake for breakfast.
- Include a high protein food with every meal.
- Choose leaner, slightly larger cuts of meat.
What happens if you don’t get enough protein?
Weakness and Fatigue And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don’t get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.
Can an 80 year old man build muscle?
Seniors Can Still Bulk Up On Muscle By Pressing Iron Our muscle mass decreases at surprising rates as we get older. But researchers found that people older than 50 can not only maintain but actually increase their muscle mass by lifting weights.