Location: Food Surveys Research Group
Title: Protein Intake of Adults: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016Author
Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Research Technical Update Publication Acceptance Date: 7/7/2020 Publication Date: 7/14/2020 Citation: Hoy, M.K., Clemens, J.C., Moshfegh, A.J. 2020. Protein Intake of Adults: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: https://www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg/wweia/dbrief. Interpretive Summary: Protein is essential for growth and metabolic processes in the body. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a variety of protein foods. This report describes protein intake of adults 20+ years using dietary intake data from What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016. Overall, the average protein intake of males was about one-third higher than females. Protein intakes did not change between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. Total protein intake of adults decreased significantly wth age, primarily due to lower total energy intakes. Protein contributed about 16% to energy intake of adolescents and is within the 10-35% recommended range. About three-quarters of protein intake is consumed at lunch and dinner. Animal sources of protein accounted for about two-thirds of adults’ protein intake and the remaining intake from plant sources was primarily from grains. Technical Abstract: Technical abstract: Protein is an essential macronutrient for growth, maintenance and repair of body tissues and metabolism. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a variety of protein foods to provide 10-35% of energy intake. This report describes protein intake of adults 20+ years using dietary intake data from What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016. Overall, the average protein intake of males (97 grams) was about one-third higher than female adolescents (69 grams). Protein intakes did not change between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. Total protein intakes decreased significantly with age, primarily due to lower energy intake. Protein contributed about 16% to energy intake of all adults. Animal sources of protein accounted for around 64% of adults’ protein intake and the remaining 36% was from plant source, primarily grains. |