Are You Getting Enough Protein? Probably Not, Research Says

If a snack is high in protein, you'll probably know it. Think about it: Protein contents are typically plastered all over the packaging as a major selling point. Despite its rise to fame as the star macronutrient, new research1 says we're still not eating enough.

A study out of Ohio State University and Abbott found over a third of adults in the U.S. are lacking when it comes to their protein intake by up to 30 grams per day. This is more than half of what the FDA recommends for the average person. What's more? Researchers also surveyed over 11,000 people over the age of 50 and found that this lack of protein also led to worse physical well-being.

If protein-packed products seem to sell like crazy, what's causing this gap? Researchers chalk it up to poor general diet as most of those missing out on protein also eat less nutrient-dense foods overall. They're also lacking a bunch of important vitamins and minerals found in these nutrient-dense foods, like choline, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.

This can spell trouble for us, especially as we age. Protein is widely known as essential for building and maintaining muscle, but insufficient protein can rear its ugly head in a bunch of different ways as it has a huge effect on your immune system2, injury recovery3, and mood regulation.

Although the FDA says 50 grams should be the goal for each person's daily protein intake, the amount of protein you should actually be getting can vary from person to person. Age, body weight, and activity level all play a part in shaping your protein goals. Experts typically recommend 0.8 to 1.0 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, but this is just a starting point that should be adjusted based on other lifestyle factors.