Revised Reference Values for the Intake of Protein

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Following a timely update process, the nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (D-A-CH) revised the reference values for the intake of protein in 2017. The Working Group conducted a structured literature search in PubMed considering newly published papers (2000– 2017). <b><i>Summary:</i></b> For infants &#x3c; 4 months, the estimated values were set based on the protein intake via breast milk. Reference values for infants &#x3e; 4 months, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women were calculated using the factorial method considering both requirement for growth and maintenance. For adults, reference values were derived from nitrogen balance studies; for seniors (&#x3e; 65 years), reports on metabolic and functional parameters under various protein intakes were additionally considered. Reference ­values (g protein/kg body weight per day) were set as follows: infants &#x3c; 4 months: 2.5–1.4, children: 1.3–0.8, adults &#x3c; 65 years: 0.8, adults &#x3e; 65 years: 1.0. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> The reference values for infants, children, adolescents, and adults &#x3c; 65 years are essentially unchanged compared to recently published values. Scientifically reliable data published between 2000 and 2017 guided the D-A-CH Working Group to set a higher estimated value for adults &#x3e; 65 years. Since the energy consumption continuously decreases with age, this new estimated protein intake value might be a challenge for the introduction of food-based nutrition concepts for older people.