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Federal Officials Overstate Protein Deficiency Concerns in New Dietary Guidelines
Federal health officials have claimed Americans need to “dramatically” increase their protein consumption under new dietary guidelines, suggesting previous advice created “a generation of kids low in protein.” Nutrition experts, however, say these assertions misrepresent the protein intake of most Americans, who typically consume adequate amounts.
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released on January 7, recommend a daily protein intake of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. This represents an increase over the long-established Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, which was designed as a minimum to prevent deficiency.
“The old guidelines had about half the protein that you need,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said during a January 9 CNN appearance. He claimed this led to “a generation of kids low in protein, struggling with muscle mass, weak, having trouble concentrating, addicted to ultraprocessed foods and refined carbohydrates.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. echoed this sentiment at a January 21 rally, stating, “The science was clear enough on proteins that we should dramatically increase our input of proteins.”
These statements contradict research showing that most Americans already consume protein at or near the lower end of the new recommended range. The new guidelines would translate to approximately 108 to 144 grams of protein daily for an average American man, and 94 to 125 grams for an average woman.
“When you look at most intake surveys, most Americans were getting in the range of intakes that is being recommended, close to 1.2” grams per kilogram of body weight per day, said Stuart Phillips, a professor who studies nutrition and exercise effects on skeletal muscle at McMaster University.
A 2018 study examining protein intake between 2001 and 2014 found that non-elderly adult American men typically exceeded 1.2 grams per kilogram daily, with consumption decreasing with age. Women averaged between 1.0 and 1.15 grams per kilogram daily.
The data for children is particularly contradictory to officials’ claims. The same study found virtually no children under age 8 consumed less than the RDA, and most age groups of children exceeded the 1.2 grams per kilogram threshold now recommended in the new guidelines.
“It’s not like there’s growth stunting on a large scale in the United States because kids are protein deficient,” Phillips noted. “It’s disingenuous at best and flat out wrong at worst.”
Dr. Frank B. Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, stated plainly: “There is no evidence of widespread protein deficiency in the U.S. population.”
Nutrition experts acknowledge that certain groups may benefit from higher protein intake, including older adults, those engaged in strength training, people recovering from illness, and individuals actively losing weight. However, they question whether such recommendations should apply broadly to the general population.
“Where the science is strongest is in showing that certain groups benefit from protein intakes above the RDA,” Phillips said. For these specific groups, higher protein intake can support maintenance of lean mass, functional capacity, and satiety.
The new guidelines’ presentation has also raised concerns among nutrition experts. The updated food pyramid prominently features a large steak in the upper left-hand corner, with nuts and legumes positioned lower. The guidelines’ website boldly proclaims, “We are ending the war on protein.”
This represents a significant departure from the recommendations of the original scientific committee tasked with reviewing evidence for the guidelines, which had advised consuming more plant proteins like beans and lentils and less red and processed meat.
Experts worry that emphasizing increased protein consumption could inadvertently promote highly processed food products marketed for their protein content, despite the guidelines’ stated preference for “real food.”
The impact of the new dietary guidelines will ultimately depend on how they are interpreted and implemented by Americans. While some individuals may indeed benefit from increased protein intake, experts stress that overall diet quality remains paramount, with attention to food sources and nutrient balance.
“At the end of the day you are eating foods for multiple compounds and nutrients, not just protein,” said Wayne Campbell, a Purdue University professor who studies nutrients and dietary patterns.
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6 Comments
As someone with an interest in nutrition and health, I’m intrigued by this debate over protein recommendations. While adequate protein is essential, I’m skeptical of claims that most Americans are dramatically deficient. The data on actual consumption seems crucial here.
Absolutely, the data on typical protein intake is key. I’d be curious to see studies comparing the new guidelines to current consumption patterns across different demographics. Drawing conclusions without that context could lead to misleading conclusions.
Interesting discussion on protein intake guidelines. I’m curious to hear more about the expert perspective challenging the government’s claims of widespread protein deficiency. It would be helpful to understand the nuances around recommended protein levels and actual American consumption patterns.
Yes, I agree it’s important to look at the scientific evidence rather than relying on broad generalizations. I’m interested to see how the new guidelines are received and whether they are truly necessary for the general population.
This is an interesting case study in how government dietary guidelines can sometimes miss the mark or become out of step with the latest scientific understanding. I appreciate the experts pushing back and providing a more nuanced perspective on protein needs.
Yes, it’s a good reminder that policy recommendations should be grounded in rigorous, up-to-date research. Overreaching claims about widespread deficiencies could lead to unnecessary changes that don’t align with actual population health needs.