Question

Dietary Protein Intake in the U.S.  

1. On average, what is the daily dietary protein intake of Americans compared to the daily recommended dietary allowance (inadequate, meet/achieve, excessive)?

2.

a. What factors contribute to causing American’s dietary intake to be this way?

b. Consider factors related to health, agriculture, food access/availability, socioeconomic status, etc.

3.

a. Are certain groups/populations at increased risk of consuming an inadequate protein intake?

b. Consider reasons related to increased protein requirements, poor access, ethical reasons, etc.

4. What are potential health risks/complications associated with regularly consuming an inadequate dietary intake of protein?

5.

a. Are certain groups/populations at increased risk of consuming an excessive protein intake?

b. Consider reasons related to social/peer influences, inaccurate knowledge or sources of information, etc.

6. What are potential health risks/complications associated with regularly consuming an excessive dietary intake of protein?

7.

a. What are the most common food sources of protein consumed in the U.S.?

b. Aside from providing protein, do these foods provide other nutrients that are either beneficial or harmful to health?

Answer 1

1. Studies suggest that less than half of the American population have protein intake that meets recommended dietary allowance of protein.

The RDA for protein is 0.8g/kg of weight/day.

The daily dietary intake of protein is less than the RDA and studies suggest a median of 0.6g/kg of body weight/day.

2. a) factors contributing to low protein intake incudes:

- taste for food: most people do not like the taste of proteins and prefer oily, fatty food over protein rich food

- socioeconomic factor: protein rich food is considerably expensive and thus many cannot afford it

- availability: protein rich food is not accessible in many parts of U.S

- less consumption of dairy products

3. a) Almost all Adult Americans meet the RDA for proteins. But children and elderly people are at a risk of low protein intake.

Inadequate protein intake risks increases with advancing age

b) Children require a high protein diet compared to adults. This is due to high demand of protein by the body to carry out growth and metabolic functions.

Many parents cannot afford protein rich food due to financial problems and lack of awareness and knowledge.

4. Inadequate protein intake leads to several health related problems and complications. These include:

• insufficient protein intake leads to protein energy malnutrition.
• Stunted growth in children
• skin problems
• brittle nails and hair
• loss of muscle mass
• bone and joint pain
• Prone to infections
• Greater risk of fractures due to loss of muscle mass
• Deficits of hormonal function