Human protein requirements.

The protein requirements for various age groups have been calculated
by factorial method. For calculating the nitrogen required for maintenance,
the factors suggested by the U.E.Expert Panel (2.65 mg.N/basal K Cal) and
the Food and Nutrition Board, N.R.C., U.S.A. (3:2 mg.N/basal K Cal) have
been used. The nitrogen requirements fbr growth were calculated using the
data given in the report of the FAO/WHO Expert Group. The mean of values
for total N requirements obtained by the two methods multiplied by the
conventional factor 6.25 has been taken to represent the reference protein
requirements. To this value, 20% excess has been added to allow for
individual variations, as suggested by FAO/WHO Expert Group. The revised
reference protein requirements expressed as g/kg body weight are as fellows
Infants, 2.37 to 1.48 g; children, 1-3 years, 1.48 to 1.19 g; children
4-6 years, 1.06 g; children 7-9 years, 0.96 g; children 10-12 years, 0.84 g;
adolescent boys, 0.93-0.76 g; adolescent girls, 0.83 to 0.67 g; adults-men,
0.55 g; women, 0.51 g; pregnant women, 0.71 g :nd lactating women, 0.91 g.
The revised reference protein allowances for children 1-3 years are higher
and for adult men and women lower than the corresponding allowances
suggested by the FAO/WHO Expert Group. The revised protein allowances
are as follows in terms of NDP Cal %i Infants, 8.0 to 6.0; children, 1-3
years, 6.0 to 5.3; 4-6 years, 5.3; 7-9 years, 4.9 and 10-12 years, 4.8;
adolescent boys 6.6 to 6.2; adolescent girls, 7.1 to 6.2; adult men, 4.5;
adult women, 4.8; pregnant and lactating women 5.5. The data indicate
that the protein requirements can be expressed both as grams per kilograc
body weight or as NDP Cal %.