Protein intake trends and nutritional requirements

The proliferation of protein-enriched products, such as wraps, ice cream, and yoghurts, is being driven significantly by social media fitness and wellness influencers. These trends promote high protein intake as a tool for fat loss and satiety.

While the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is set at 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to prevent deficiency in sedentary adults, experts suggest this may be a minimum floor rather than an optimal target. Research indicates that active individuals and those aiming for muscle growth may require between 1.2 and 2.0 grams per kilogram per day.

Older adults face specific nutritional needs due to anabolic resistance, where aging muscle requires higher protein doses to maintain mass. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has recommended that older adults at risk of frailty or undernutrition consume between 1 and 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to preserve muscle health.