What is the recommended daily protein intake for a child?

Recommended Daily Protein Intake for Children

Children should consume 1.0-2.0 g of protein per kg of body weight per day, with specific requirements varying by age: infants and young children need higher amounts (1.5-3.5 g/kg/day for preterm infants, 1.5-3.0 g/kg/day for term infants, and 1.0-2.5 g/kg/day for children 1 month to 3 years), while older children (3-12 years) need 1.0-2.0 g/kg/day, and adolescents need 1.0-2.0 g/kg/day. 1

Age-Specific Protein Requirements

Infants

• Preterm infants:

  • Initial protein intake: At least 1.5 g/kg/day starting on first postnatal day 1
  • Ongoing intake: 2.5-3.5 g/kg/day from postnatal day 2 onwards 1
  • Maximum: Should not exceed 3.5 g/kg/day outside clinical trials 1

• Term infants:

  • Minimum: 1.5 g/kg/day to avoid negative nitrogen balance 1
  • Maximum: Should not exceed 3.0 g/kg/day 1
  • For infants with chronic lung disease: 3 g/kg/day in early infancy 1

Young Children (1 month to 3 years)

• Minimum: 1.0 g/kg/day to avoid negative nitrogen balance 1
• Optimal range: 1.0-2.5 g/kg/day 1
• Studies show that 2.4 g/kg/day results in positive nitrogen balance 1

Children (3-12 years)

• Recommended range: 1.0-2.0 g/kg/day 1
• Limited data exists for this age group, but this range appears to support normal growth and development 1

Adolescents

• Recommended range: 1.0-2.0 g/kg/day 1
• Positive nitrogen balance achieved at 1.5 g/kg lean body mass per day 1

Quality of Protein

The quality of protein is as important as the quantity:

• Complete proteins: Animal sources (meat, dairy, eggs) contain all essential amino acids 2, 3
• Incomplete proteins: Plant sources often lack one or more essential amino acids 3
• For optimal growth and development, children should consume high-quality proteins from animal products when possible 2
• Plant proteins can provide similar benefits when properly combined 3

Special Considerations

Children with Medical Conditions

• Children with chronic lung disease:
  • Higher protein needs (3 g/kg/day in early infancy to 1.2 g/kg/day in early childhood) 1
  • Young infants should not exceed 4 g/kg/day due to risk of acidosis related to immature kidneys 1

Physically Active Children

• Children engaged in intense physical activity may require higher protein intake 4
• This can typically be obtained through a regular varied diet 4

Potential Risks of Excessive Protein

• Chronic high protein intake (>2 g/kg/day for adults) may lead to:
  • Digestive issues
  • Renal abnormalities
  • Vascular abnormalities 2
• In young infants, excessive protein (>4 g/kg/day) increases risk of acidosis 1

Practical Implementation

• For healthy children, protein needs can typically be met through a balanced diet
• Protein should comprise 8-12% of total caloric intake 1
• Distribute protein intake throughout the day for optimal utilization 5
• For children with increased needs, focus on high-quality protein sources first before considering supplements

The evidence strongly supports providing adequate protein for children based on their age, activity level, and health status, with careful attention to both quantity and quality to support optimal growth, development, and health outcomes.