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

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

Ans: Excessive

An average daily dietary protein intake for american origin person is recommended as 0.8gm per kg per day according to RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) reports for protein consumptions. Which is 10% of total calories requirement for daily activities where as it is observed that every average american consumes 16-20% of calories from proteins i.e. almost double amount of protein is consumed by individuals daily this indicates the excessive consumption of required proteins by means of meals and protein supplements.

Q.2: What factors contribute to causing American’s dietary intake to be this way?

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

Ans: Following are the factors causing dietary intake in this way

1. Nutritional transition is the major factor for current food habits due to social and demographic factors of urbanization.
2. Current food industry marketing is another major factor causing individuals to consume excessive intake of food compare to average need.
3. Changes in agricultural practice over the past years is also indirectly affecting this as supply of food and quality of food was improved due to science and innovations in the field of agriculture and food industry.
4. Increased qualitative and quantitative access to healthful food.
5. Physical factors such as education and cooking skills are also contributing to it up to some extent.
6. Biological factors of hunger, taste and appetite are some factors of current food intake pattern.
7. Social determinant such as culture, family and meal pattern
8. Some psychological factors of mood, stress, guilt.
9. Attitude, beliefs and knowledge about food also contribute towards food intake pattern.

Q.3 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.

Ans: Certain population at increased risk of consuming inadequate protein intake are as follows

1. Population under economically low income group.
2. Elderly population above the age of 70 years due to lack of proper appetite and food complications.
3. Malnutrition population
4. Pregnant womens as their maternal diet needs are different than regular news.
5. Population with limited access to food such as low socieo economic class.
6. Population with congenital anomolies like mal absorption.

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

Ans: Regular inadequate dietary intake of proteins may result in some serious health risks and complications associated to it such as

1. Increased metabolic burden on the body.
2. Increased bone related issues due to intake of high calcium food such as calcium homeostasis and hypercalcemia.
3. Increases chances of kidney and liver function disorders.
4. Increased risk of coronary heart diseases
5. Increased risk of cancer.
6. Obesity and related complications.
7. Diabetise is the common health issue observed in such population.