American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 26, 1303-1310, Copyright © 1973 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Protein intake of well-nourished children and adolescents

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A number of dietary studies were made in order to learn the protein intake of children who were considered as being healthy and well-nourished while eating their customary diets. Observations of 480 boys and girls 1 to 20 years of age are reported. Individual diets for 1 to 2 weeks were weighed, and all foods were analyzed for nitrogen content. The findings indicate that protein intake varied with the rate of growth, age, and body size. The mean total intake of boys at any age or size was higher than that of girls of the same age or size. The total protein intake increased with age throughout the period of growth and with growth in size as measured by height, weight, and surface area. The highest correlation appeared between total intake of girls through pubescence and between that of both boys and girls and height throughout growth. The lowest was between total intake and age. There was a high negative correlation between protein intake per kilogram body weight and age. The total intakes referred to age were comparable to the earlier findings by Eppright and Burke but lower than some more recent reports and higher than the 1968 Recommended Daily Dietary Allowances.