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

Answer: The daily protein intake that is recommended is 0.8 gram per kilogram of body weight. But the daily dietary protein intake of Americans is inadequate because most of them do not have time to focus on the foods which are protein rich. Most people do not take a balanced diet.

There are many factors which affect the dietary intake of Americans as there can be biological factors which includes age, gender, growth, disease states. And some of the nonbiological factors, such as socioeconomic status is the most important which contributes inadequate intake of proper dietary supplements. The people who are above 50 years old are unable to take proper supplement due to lack of people taking care of them. And some indulge in alcohol consumption or smoking. Some of have a diseased condition in which protein intake becomes impossible, many people are busy in their jobs that they don't get time to take proper food. Socioeconomic reasons are one of the major cause as they cannot afford it.

The protein is very necessary for our body, in children it is the factor which is responsible for the growth. And in our daily busy life, the protein is the major constituent which maintains the body's requirements. Deficiency of protien may cause many of the problems such as such as kwashiorkor, marasmus, impaired mental health, edema, organ failure, wasting and shrinkage of muscle tissues. Not only this, it also weakens the immune system.