Protein is one of three macronutrients our bodies need to function, and it deserves its props. Protein is responsible for supporting immune function, cell function and tissue repair, it provides energy and even transports other nutrients. There’s been a lot of talk lately about not eating enough protein, particularly on social media, which can result in feeling tired or fatigued, poor wound-healing, immunity decline and muscle wasting, Vandana Sheth, a registered dietitian, tells TODAY.
com. But even protein has its limits. Protein must be consumed in combination with other nutrients — nutrients you might miss out on if you’re overdoing it protein-wise.
But how much protein is too much? And how do you know if you're overdoing it? According to dietitians, there are telltale signs to look out for and consequences if you ignore them. The amount of protein you should eat a day depends on your weight. “The recommended dietary allowance is 0.
8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight,” Keri Gans, registered dietitian and author of “The Small Change Diet,” tells TODAY.com. “However, that is the minimum amount needed,” she points out.
You might need more protein if you’re pregnant, in which case you should be eating at least 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight. Elderly people should aim for 1.
2 grams per kilogram of body weight. And for athletes, that number goes up even higher to 1.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Your protein needs depend on your daily .
